Creamy Tuna Rotini Delight
This delightful Creamy Tuna Rotini Salad is the perfect dish for a warm summer evening or a quick lunch. Inspired by a Marine mom's beloved recipe, this salad is packed with flavors and textures that meld together beautifully. The combination of tender rotini noodles, protein-rich tuna, and crisp vegetables creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. It’s a great way to support our troops while indulging in a delicious homemade dish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini noodles
1 lb (boiled and cooled)
Tuna
2 (6 ounce) cans (drained)
Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing
1-2 cup (according to creaminess preference)
Dry Vegetable Soup Mix
1 (1 7/8 ounce) box (e.g. Lipton brand)
Baby Carrots
6-8 (chopped)
Celery Ribs
2 (chopped)
Black Olives
10 (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Start by boiling the rotini noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, desired amount of mayonnaise or salad dressing, and the dry vegetable soup mix. Stir until well blended.
3
Add the chopped baby carrots, celery, and black olives (if using) to the tuna mixture and mix until evenly distributed.
4
Fold in the cooled rotini noodles gently, making sure the noodles are coated with the creamy dressing.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little salt or pepper.
6
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Note: If the salad thickens in the fridge, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of milk to maintain creaminess before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Rotini Delight?
It is a flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini noodles, protein-rich tuna, and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for rotini noodles, which are excellent for holding the creamy dressing.
How much tuna is required?
You will need two 6-ounce cans of tuna, which should be drained before use.
What provides the main flavor in the dressing?
The unique flavor comes from one 1.875-ounce box of dry vegetable soup mix, such as the Lipton brand.
Can I use something other than mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use either mayonnaise or your favorite salad dressing based on your preference.
How many carrots should I add?
The recipe suggests using 6 to 8 chopped baby carrots.
How much celery is needed?
You should include two chopped celery ribs for added crunch.
Are black olives a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 10 chopped black olives are optional and can be omitted if desired.
Should the pasta be cooked a certain way?
Yes, boil the rotini noodles until they are al dente according to the package directions.
How do I stop the noodles from overcooking?
Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How much mayonnaise should I use?
You can use between 1 and 2 cups of mayonnaise depending on how creamy you want the salad to be.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately, though refrigerating it for 2 hours allows the flavors to meld.
How should I store the salad?
Store the salad in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and cool.
What should I do if the salad gets too thick in the fridge?
If the salad thickens, simply add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of milk before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides about 14 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a delightful dish for warm summer evenings.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a Marine mom's beloved homemade tuna salad.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Mix the tuna, dressing, and soup mix first, add the vegetables, and then gently fold in the noodles.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this salad.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy and quick lunch or dinner option.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, boiling the noodles in salted water is recommended for better flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is recommended, you could substitute other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and mild flavors make it a popular choice for families.
How many cans of tuna are used?
The recipe uses two 6-ounce cans of tuna.
Can I make this recipe healthy?
The recipe is already tagged as a healthy meal, featuring protein and fresh vegetables.