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Classic Cold Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Close-up of a serving of creamy cold tuna pasta salad made with rotini pasta, tuna, red onion, and celery.
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Make this easy, creamy cold tuna pasta salad for a perfect make ahead lunch or potluck dish. It uses simple ingredients for a deli style flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water until completely cool. Drain very well.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and pickle relish.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy dressing base.
  4. Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and tuna mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Do not overmix.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt or pepper) just before serving cold.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure you drain the pasta thoroughly after rinsing and drain the canned tuna well before mixing.
  • You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a slightly lighter, tangier version.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great potluck pasta salad dish.
  • If you prefer a sharper flavor, add 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/cold-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe/