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Easy Canned Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Creamy Mayo Dressing

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A quick and easy tuna pasta salad with a creamy mayo dressing, perfect for a satisfying lunch or late-night snack. This recipe combines tender pasta, canned tuna, and a tangy, luscious dressing with fresh veggies for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes, cooked al dente
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) canned tuna in water or oil, drained
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas, thawed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, finely dice 2 celery stalks and thinly slice 3 green onions. If using frozen peas, thaw them by rinsing under warm water or letting sit at room temperature.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta, 2 cans of drained canned tuna, diced celery, sliced green onions, and peas. Gently fold to combine without breaking up the tuna too much.
  5. Pour the creamy mayo dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to fold everything together evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. You can serve immediately if in a hurry, but it tastes best after resting.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Drain tuna well to prevent sogginess. Mix gently to keep tuna chunks intact. Adjust mayo dressing thickness with a teaspoon of water or milk if needed. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Can substitute half mayo with Greek yogurt for lighter dressing. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet and vegan mayo or avocado mash for egg allergies or vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, creamy mayo dressing, quick lunch, easy pasta salad, canned tuna recipe, picnic salad, simple pasta salad

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-canned-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-creamy-mayo-dressing/