Pasta Salad Recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer 2024

When it comes to simple yet satisfying meals, few dishes rival the classic Tuna Pasta Salad. Brimming with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this salad is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this Tuna Pasta Salad is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup thawed peas
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients While the pasta is cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients. Drain the canned tuna and flake it with a fork. Dice the celery, finely chop the red onion, and thaw the peas if using frozen.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients To the cooked rotini pasta, add the drained canned tuna, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and thawed peas. These ingredients add texture and flavor to the salad, creating a delightful combination of tastes and textures.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. The creamy texture of the mayonnaise, the tanginess of the Dijon mustard, and the citrusy brightness of the lemon juice create a harmonious dressing that ties the salad together.

Step 5: Dress the Salad Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and ingredients. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the Tuna Pasta Salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and allows the dressing to infuse into the ingredients, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure that the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Serve the Tuna Pasta Salad chilled as a refreshing meal or a satisfying side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon for a pop of color and flavor.

With its simple preparation and satisfying flavors, the Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a comforting meal year-round, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delightful salad, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and great company. Bon appétit!

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