Grandma Grace's Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Dive into a delicious bowl of Grandma Grace's Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad, a cherished family recipe that has delighted generations. This creamy salad is the epitome of comfort food, making it a staple at every family gathering, from casual picnics to the essential Easter feast. Our special twist features high-quality solid white albacore tuna packed in water and whole wheat pasta for a healthier spin on the classic version. With a delightful crunch from fresh pickles and celery, and a hint of dill, this salad is brought to life with rich mayonnaise that gives it a luscious texture. It’s simple to make, beautifully colorful, and guaranteed to vanish from your serving dish. Perfect for gatherings, this salad can also be customized with optional hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill sprigs for added flavor and flair.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
12 ounces (cooked al dente and cooled)
tuna
2 (6 ounce) cans (drained and crumbled)
mayonnaise
1 - 1 1/2 cups (not salad dressing)
kosher dill pickles
2 large (coarsely chopped)
celery ribs
2 (thinly sliced)
dried dill
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
fresh dill sprig
optional
hard-boiled egg
optional (sliced)
Instructions
1
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and quickly plunge it into very cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain completely and set aside.
2
Open the cans of tuna, drain them well, and gently crumble the tuna into the cooled pasta.
3
In a large bowl, stir in about 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with the pasta and tuna mixture, combining gently to avoid breaking up the pasta too much.
4
Add the chopped kosher dill pickles, thinly sliced celery, and dried dill to the bowl. Fold together gently.
5
Continue adding more mayonnaise, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. Remember, the salad should be moist but not soupy.
6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to incorporate.
7
Cover the salad tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
8
Before serving, check the salad's moisture level; if it appears dry, stir in a little more mayonnaise. Optionally, garnish with fresh dill sprigs and sliced hard-boiled eggs for an elegant touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Grace's Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad?
A cherished family recipe that has delighted generations, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for this tuna salad?
You will need elbow macaroni, albacore tuna, mayonnaise, kosher dill pickles, celery, dried dill, salt, and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of elbow macaroni, specifically whole wheat for a healthier twist.
What kind of tuna should I use?
High-quality solid white albacore tuna packed in water is recommended.
Can I use salad dressing instead of mayonnaise?
No, the recipe specifies using mayonnaise and not salad dressing for the best texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook it al dente and immediately plunge it into very cold water to stop the cooking process.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
Coarsely chopped kosher dill pickles and thinly sliced celery ribs add a delightful crunch.
Is there any special seasoning?
The salad is seasoned with dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
What should I do if the salad is dry after chilling?
Before serving, check the moisture level and stir in a little more mayonnaise if needed.
Are there any optional additions?
Yes, you can add sliced hard-boiled eggs and fresh dill sprigs for extra flavor and flair.
How much mayonnaise is used in the recipe?
Between 1 and 1.5 cups of mayonnaise are used depending on your desired creaminess.
Is this recipe suitable for Easter?
Yes, it is described as an essential Easter feast staple and a perfect side dish.
Can I use fresh dill?
The recipe uses dried dill in the mix and suggests fresh dill sprigs as an optional garnish.
How should I prepare the tuna?
Drain the cans well and gently crumble the tuna into the cooled pasta.
Can I make this for a potluck?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect potluck dish that is guaranteed to vanish.
What is the texture of the salad?
It has a luscious, creamy texture thanks to the rich mayonnaise.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Stir and fold the ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the pasta too much.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is considered the epitome of comfort food.
How many cans of tuna are required?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans.
What size should the celery be sliced?
The celery ribs should be thinly sliced.
What type of pickles are best?
Two large kosher dill pickles, coarsely chopped, are recommended.
How much dried dill is used?
One teaspoon of dried dill is added to the mixture.
Can I use regular pasta?
While whole wheat is used for health, regular elbow macaroni can also be used.
Should I add all the mayonnaise at once?
Start with 1/2 cup and then add more a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Is the salad colorful?
Yes, the combination of ingredients makes it beautifully colorful.
How should the salad be covered in the fridge?
It should be covered tightly before being placed in the refrigerator.
What is the preparation for the hard-boiled eggs?
If using them, they should be sliced and used as a garnish.
Is it easy to make?
Yes, it is described as simple to make and perfect for any gathering.