Savory Creamy Tuna Shell Salad
Indulge in my delightful Savory Creamy Tuna Shell Salad that's perfect for any gathering! This dish combines tender pasta shells with flaked tuna, crisp celery, and zesty onions, all enveloped in a rich, creamy mayonnaise dressing. With a hint of lemon and a dash of dried parsley, this salad is refreshing yet satisfying. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this salad can be prepared ahead of time and chilled to enhance the flavors. Enjoy it as a hearty side or a standalone meal!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna in water
2 (6-ounce cans, drained and flaked)
Medium pasta shells
1 (lb)
Celery
1 (cup, chopped)
Onion
1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
Mayonnaise
2 (cups)
Dried parsley
1/2 (tablespoon)
Lemon juice
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1/4 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Dry mustard
1/8 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain well.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, chopped celery, and finely chopped onion. Mix gently to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
In a separate smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dried parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Add the cooled pasta shells to the tuna mixture, then gently spoon the creamy mayonnaise dressing over the top. Stir everything together until the pasta and vegetables are thoroughly coated in the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the salad is well chilled and the flavors have melded together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creamy Tuna Shell Salad?
It is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta shells with flaked tuna, crisp celery, and zesty onions in a rich, creamy mayonnaise dressing.
What type of tuna should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans of tuna in water, which should be drained and flaked.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
Medium pasta shells are the best choice for this specific salad recipe.
How much pasta is needed?
You will need one pound of medium pasta shells.
How long should I cook the pasta shells?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and ensures the pasta is cool enough for a chilled salad.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires one cup of chopped celery for added crunch.
How much onion should be added?
Use half a cup of finely chopped onion to provide a zesty flavor.
What are the ingredients in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, dried parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
How much mayonnaise is used in this salad?
Two cups of mayonnaise are used to create a rich and creamy coating.
Is there lemon juice in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes two teaspoons of lemon juice for a refreshing hint of citrus.
How much dried parsley is added?
The recipe calls for half a tablespoon of dried parsley.
What amount of salt is used?
The salad requires one-quarter teaspoon of salt.
How much pepper is included?
One-eighth teaspoon of pepper is added for seasoning.
What is the amount of dry mustard needed?
The recipe uses one-eighth teaspoon of dry mustard in the dressing.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise and other dressing ingredients in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
When do I combine the pasta with the tuna?
Add the cooled pasta shells to the tuna, celery, and onion mixture before adding the dressing.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours before serving.
Why is the chilling time important?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the salad is served properly cold.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the tuna shell salad?
The salad provides 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering.
Can I serve this as a main meal?
Yes, it is satisfying enough to be served as either a hearty side or a standalone meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used to make this tuna shell salad.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps for preparation.
How should the tuna be prepared before mixing?
The tuna should be drained and then flaked with a fork.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is cooking the pasta shells according to the package directions until al dente.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and chilled to enhance the flavors.