Dill Tuna Shell Salad Delight
This vibrant Dill Tuna Shell Salad Delight is a refreshing twist on a classic tuna salad, perfect for summer lunches or light snacks! The small shell pasta combines beautifully with tender chunks of albacore tuna and creamy mayonnaise, while diced dill pickles introduce a delightful tanginess that complements the flavors. Add in some sharp cheddar cheese and a pop of color from fresh tomatoes, and you've got a dish that's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce for added crunch, making it a delightful addition to any picnic or potluck.
6
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
small shell pasta
8 ounces (cooked as directed on package and drained)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (cubed)
albacore tuna
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
dill pickle
1/4 cup (diced)
yellow onion
1/2 cup (diced)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
lettuce
to garnish (chopped)
tomatoes
2 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shell pasta, cubed cheddar cheese, drained tuna, diced dill pickles, and diced yellow onion. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, salt, and fresh ground pepper until smooth. Pour this dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until all ingredients are coated with the creamy dressing.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
4
To serve, line individual salad plates with chopped lettuce as a base. Generously mound the tuna shell salad on top of the lettuce. Garnish with wedges of fresh tomatoes for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
32g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dill Tuna Shell Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing twist on classic tuna salad featuring small shell pasta, albacore tuna, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy dill pickles.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this tuna salad?
Small shell pasta is recommended for this recipe as it holds the creamy dressing and ingredients well.
What kind of tuna should I use?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of drained albacore tuna.
What makes this salad tangy?
The tanginess comes from 1/4 cup of diced dill pickles mixed into the salad.
How much mayonnaise is required?
You will need 1 cup of mayonnaise to create the creamy dressing for the salad.
What kind of cheese is added to the recipe?
One cup of cubed cheddar cheese is added for a sharp, satisfying flavor.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Two tomatoes should be cut into wedges and used as a garnish for presentation.
Does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you should cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 24 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the Dill Tuna Shell Salad?
The salad contains 24 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of onion should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion.
How is the salad served?
It is served on a bed of chopped lettuce and garnished with tomato wedges.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The dressing includes 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is a delightful addition to any picnic or potluck, though it should be kept chilled.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What are the first steps in making the salad?
Combine the cooked pasta, cheese, tuna, pickles, and onion in a large bowl and stir well.
How do you prepare the dressing?
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth before pouring over the pasta.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While shell pasta is traditional for this 'Shell Salad,' you can substitute other small shapes like macaroni if needed.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, aside from the 1 hour chilling time, the preparation is very fast and easy.
Is this a summer recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is perfect for hot weather lunches.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber content is not listed in the nutritional information provided.
What is the preparation for the pasta?
The 8 ounces of shell pasta should be cooked as directed on the package and then drained.
Can I use white onion instead of yellow?
While yellow onion is called for, white onion can be used as a substitute for a similar flavor.
Is the lettuce mixed into the salad?
No, the chopped lettuce is used as a base on individual plates for serving.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is categorized as a tuna salad, pasta salad, and a lunch recipe.
Should the tuna be drained?
Yes, ensure the canned tuna is fully drained before adding it to the mixing bowl.