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Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe with Crunchy Deli Vegetables

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A quick and easy creamy tuna pasta salad featuring crunchy deli vegetables, perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or casual dinners. This salad balances creamy dressing with fresh, crisp veggies and tender pasta for a satisfying texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or shell pasta
  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) solid white albacore tuna in water, drained
  • ½ cup diced dill pickles
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • ½ cup diced sweet red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of rotini or shell pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cool water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain thoroughly, about 5 minutes.
  2. While pasta cooks, dice ½ cup each of dill pickles, celery, and sweet red bell pepper into small, even pieces. Finely chop ¼ cup red onion if using. Transfer all to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Open 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each) of tuna packed in water. Drain well to avoid sogginess. Flake the tuna gently with a fork and add to the bowl with the vegetables.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with tuna and veggies. Pour the dressing over everything. Use a spatula to fold gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill if desired.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Give it a gentle stir before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is key. Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Use fresh deli vegetables for best crunch. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning after chilling if needed. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo for lighter or dairy-free options. Gluten-free pasta can be used for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, creamy tuna salad, deli vegetables, summer salad, easy pasta salad, quick lunch, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/creamy-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-with-crunchy-deli-vegetables-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/