Summer Tuna and Pasta Delight
This refreshing Summer Tuna and Pasta Delight is a delightful combination of creamy tuna, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, perfect for warm evenings after a day at the pool. Easy to prepare, this dish is not only great for a quick light supper but also makes for an excellent picnic companion. The best part? The amounts in this recipe are flexible, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Enjoy the tangy notes of sweet onions, vibrant peppers, and the richness of hard-boiled eggs, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna
1 (6 1/2 ounce can, drained and flaked)
Elbow Macaroni or Small Shell Pasta
1/2 (lb, cooked, rinsed, and drained)
Hard-Boiled Egg
1-2 (mashed)
Vidalia Onion
1/2 (medium, minced)
Celery
1/2 (cup, chopped or minced)
Sweet Red Peppers or Green Bell Pepper
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Mayonnaise
1 (cup)
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni or small shell pasta according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained and flaked tuna, rinsed pasta, mashed hard-boiled eggs, minced Vidalia onion, chopped celery, and sweet peppers.
3
Pour in the mayonnaise, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly. If the salad feels too dry, you can add more mayonnaise gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
5
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if necessary.
6
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled, and enjoy this delightful dish with friends and family!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
13g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Tuna and Pasta Delight?
It is a refreshing combination of creamy tuna, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, perfect for warm evenings or picnics.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Summer Tuna and Pasta Delight?
The recipe contains 15g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 8g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
This dish contains 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You can use either elbow macaroni or small shell pasta.
How much tuna is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 6 1/2 ounce can of tuna, drained and flaked.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 hard-boiled eggs, mashed.
What type of onion works best?
A minced Vidalia onion is recommended for its sweet flavor.
What kind of peppers should I add?
You can use 1/4 cup of chopped sweet red peppers or green bell peppers.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise as the base for the creamy dressing.
Is the amount of mayonnaise adjustable?
Yes, if the salad feels too dry, you can gradually add more mayonnaise until you reach your desired creaminess.
How do I prepare the pasta for this salad?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then rinse it under cold water and drain well.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
The salad should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it makes for an excellent picnic companion as it is served chilled.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely; you should season with salt and pepper to taste and adjust after the flavors have melded.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as an easy to prepare dish great for a quick light supper.
How much celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped or minced celery.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe flexible?
Yes, the amounts in the recipe are flexible, allowing you to adjust flavors to suit your personal taste.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing?
No, the pasta should be rinsed under cold water and drained before mixing with other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tuna salad, pasta salad, easy meal, summer dish, picnic recipe, one dish meal, quick dinner, and light supper.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly in a large mixing bowl to combine all ingredients evenly.
Can I use different vegetables?
While the recipe specifies onions, celery, and peppers, its flexible nature allows for adjustments.
What is the consistency of the dressing?
The dressing is a creamy mayonnaise-based coating for the tuna and pasta.
Is this considered a light meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as a quick light supper.
Do I need to flake the tuna?
Yes, the tuna should be drained and flaked before being added to the mixing bowl.
What size onion should I use?
A medium-sized Vidalia onion, half of which is minced, is sufficient.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, because it requires chilling, it is a great dish to prepare in advance.
Should I mash the hard-boiled eggs?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify using mashed hard-boiled eggs for the best texture.