Creamy, simple, and perfect for a summer picnic, this Tuna Pasta Salad combines tender noodles, sweet peas, red onion, and flavorful tuna, all tossed in a luscious, easy-to-make dressing. It’s the ultimate side dish to bring to your next gathering!
INGREDIENTS
- 16 oz elbow noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 3 (4 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tsp seasoning salt
- 3-4 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine the tuna, chopped eggs, red onion, and peas.
- Add the cooled pasta and stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, milk, seasoning salt, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, scraping the bowl to get all of the dressing, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the pasta to chill and absorb the dressing.
NOTES
- You can use any type of pasta you like, but elbow macaroni or giant elbow pasta (found at Trader Joe’s) is ideal for a “traditional” texture. Smaller pasta shapes like bowties, penne, or shells also work well.
- For a creamier salad, you can increase the mayo to 1 ¾ cups if the salad will sit for more than an hour, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
- If you prefer, you can substitute Miracle Whip for mayo in equal parts. Both options work wonderfully.
- The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to chill and let the flavors meld.
- This salad will keep in the fridge for 1-2 days and should remain chilled when not being served.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 461 | Carbs: 41g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 710mg | Potassium: 188mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 245 IU | Vitamin C: 6.4mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1.1mg
