This creamy tuna pasta salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for a summer picnic or a quick weeknight meal. Combining the flavors of tuna, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing, it's sure to be a hit with everyone.
Photos of Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
If you don't usually have sweet pickle relish or dried dill in your pantry, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. These ingredients add a unique flavor to the dish that shouldn't be missed.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Rotini pasta: A type of spiral pasta that holds the dressing well.
Canned tuna: Provides a savory, protein-rich element to the salad.
Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Green onions: Offers a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Baby peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
Cheddar cheese: Gives a creamy, tangy taste to the salad.
Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, adding creaminess and moisture.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness to the dressing.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the dressing.
White vinegar: Provides a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Dried dill: Gives a subtle, herbal note to the dressing.
One reader, Carena Horowitz says:
This creamy tuna pasta salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The dressing is perfectly tangy, and the combination of tuna, pasta, and veggies is simply delicious. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required
How to cook pasta al dente: Cook pasta according to package directions until it is firm to the bite, usually a minute or two less than the full cooking time. How to rinse pasta: After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad. How to combine dressing ingredients: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, salt, pepper, and dried dill in a bowl until well combined. How to mix salad ingredients: Combine cooked pasta, canned tuna, celery, green onions, baby peas, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl and mix well with the dressing.
How To Make Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
A wonderful concoction of pasta, tuna and sour cream dressing! A simple and elegant tuna pasta salad with a creaminess that keeps you coming back for more!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Tuna Pasta Salad:
- 3cupsrotini pasta(measured dry)
- 6ozcanned tunadrained
- ½cupcelerydiced
- 3green onionssliced
- ¾cupbaby peasdefrosted and drained
- 1cupcheddar cheesediced, optional
For Dressing:
- ⅔cupmayonnaise
- ⅓cupsour cream
- 2tbspsweet pickle relish
- 1tbspwhite vinegar
- saltto taste
- pepperto taste
- ½tspdried dill
Instructions
Dressing:
-
Combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.
Tuna Pasta Salad:
-
Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
-
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
-
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 527.83kcal
- Fat: 30.89g
- Saturated Fat: 8.91g
- Trans Fat: 0.26g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.69g
- Carbohydrates: 43.66g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 3.92g
- Protein: 18.52g
- Cholesterol: 49.30mg
- Sodium: 418.07mg
- Calcium: 192.73mg
- Potassium: 270.75mg
- Iron: 1.55mg
- Vitamin A: 96.50µg
- Vitamin C: 4.29mg
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the pasta, make sure to cook it just until al dente. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture that won't hold up well when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. Rinsing the pasta under cold water not only stops the cooking process but also helps to remove excess starch, preventing the salad from becoming too sticky.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Chop celery and green onions in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked pasta: Opt for pre-cooked rotini pasta available in stores to skip the boiling step.
Frozen peas: Use frozen baby peas that can be quickly thawed under warm water.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating.
Mix dressing in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge for future use.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
rotini pasta - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne has a similar texture and will hold the dressing well.
canned tuna - Substitute with canned chicken: Canned chicken provides a similar protein content and texture.
celery - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch similar to celery.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor that complements the salad.
baby peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor with fewer calories.
sweet pickle relish - Substitute with diced dill pickles: Diced dill pickles add a similar tangy and crunchy element.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity with a slightly fruity undertone.
dried dill - Substitute with fresh dill: Fresh dill offers a more vibrant flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
Best Way to Present This Dish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the tuna pasta salad in elegant, small bowls or on appetizer plates to create a refined and sophisticated look.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped fresh dill and a few baby peas for a pop of color and freshness.
Layer ingredients: Create visual interest by layering the rotini pasta, tuna, celery, green onions, and cheddar cheese in a clear glass bowl or a stylish dish.
Add texture: Include a crispy element like toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers sprinkled on top for added texture and contrast.
Drizzle dressing: Lightly drizzle the dressing over the top rather than mixing it all in, allowing guests to see the creamy components and control their own portions.
Use fresh herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a finishing touch to enhance the aroma and visual appeal.
Chill properly: Ensure the tuna pasta salad is well-chilled before serving, as this enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing experience.
Serve with accompaniments: Pair the salad with crusty bread or crackers on the side to offer a complementary texture and additional flavor.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used for boiling the pasta to the perfect al dente texture.
Colander: Essential for draining the pasta after boiling and rinsing it under cold water.
Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the ingredients of the tuna pasta salad.
Small mixing bowl: Perfect for preparing and mixing the dressing ingredients.
Whisk: Useful for thoroughly blending the dressing ingredients together.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the canned tuna.
Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring the mayonnaise, sour cream, and other dressing ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Needed for precise measurements of the sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and dried dill.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the celery and green onions.
Chef's knife: Essential for finely chopping the celery and green onions.
Mixing spoon: Useful for combining all the tuna pasta salad ingredients together in the large bowl.
Plastic wrap: Handy for covering the tuna pasta salad while it refrigerates.
Refrigerator: Necessary for chilling the tuna pasta salad for at least an hour before serving.
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Refrigeration:
- Store the creamy tuna pasta salad in an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the coldest part of your fridge, typically the back or bottom shelf. This ensures that the pasta salad stays at a consistent, cool temperature.
- Consume the salad within 3-4 days. The celery and green onions will start to lose their crunch after this period, and the mayonnaise-based dressing may begin to separate.
Freezing:
- While freezing creamy tuna pasta salad is possible, it's not always recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream in the dressing, which can separate and become watery upon thawing.
- If you must freeze, consider freezing the pasta and tuna mixture separately from the dressing. This will help maintain the texture and flavor.
- To freeze the pasta and tuna mixture:
- Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the pasta and tuna mixture in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare a fresh batch of dressing and combine with the thawed mixture.
Serving After Storage:
- Before serving, give the creamy tuna pasta salad a good stir to reincorporate any separated dressing.
- If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, you can freshen it up with a small amount of additional mayonnaise or sour cream.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Tips for Best Results:
- For a fresher taste, add a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill just before serving.
- If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider keeping the baby peas and cheddar cheese separate until just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Always use fresh ingredients, especially for the vegetables and cheese, to ensure the best taste and texture.
Random Fact About This Recipe
A fun fact about this creamy tuna pasta salad is that it combines the protein-rich tuna with the fiber-packed rotini pasta and vegetables, making it a well-rounded dish. The dressing adds a tangy and creamy flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this creamy tuna pasta salad recipe, we find it quite budget-friendly. The main ingredients like rotini pasta, canned tuna, and mayonnaise are inexpensive and readily available. Fresh produce such as celery, green onions, and baby peas add nutritional value without breaking the bank. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it an economical choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Healthy or Unhealthy?
This creamy tuna pasta salad recipe leans towards being unhealthy due to its high-calorie dressing and processed ingredients. The mayonnaise and sour cream contribute significant amounts of fat and calories, while the cheddar cheese adds saturated fat. The canned tuna, although a good source of protein, can be high in sodium. The pasta, being refined, lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein.
- Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for a low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheddar cheese.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Choose tuna packed in water instead of oil to cut down on unnecessary fats.
- Reduce or eliminate the sweet pickle relish to lower sugar content.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dried dill for a fresher taste and added nutrients.
Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe
This creamy tuna pasta salad recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The rotini pasta provides a hearty base, while the tuna adds a satisfying protein element. The crunch from the celery and green onions, combined with the sweetness of baby peas and cheddar cheese, creates a well-rounded dish. The dressing, with its mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and sweet pickle relish, offers a creamy and tangy complement. The addition of dried dill adds a subtle herbaceous note. Overall, it's a refreshing and versatile salad perfect for picnics or light lunches.
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Why trust this Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe:
This creamy tuna pasta salad recipe is a trusted favorite because it combines classic, wholesome ingredients like rotini pasta, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese with a flavorful homemade dressing. The balance of mayonnaise, sour cream, and sweet pickle relish creates a creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunch of celery and the freshness of green onions. Easy to prepare and even better after chilling, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
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