19 Southern Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
If you're in search of a delicious and refreshing salad recipe for those hot summer days, look no further than this southern tuna pasta salad. This dish is the perfect combination of savory and zesty flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Not to mention, it's incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. So, let's break down the ingredients and steps to create this mouth-watering dish.
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Salt, Olive Oil, Chopped Onion, Pickles, Tuna
This creamy tuna pasta salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chunks of tuna, al dente pasta, and a creamy dressing is sure to please your taste buds. It's also a great option for those looking for a healthy and nutritious meal. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.
2of 12
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Capers, Kalamata Olives, Red Peppers, Pasta, Tuna, Red
This healthy tuna pasta salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. It's filled with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tuna, and whole wheat pasta, making it a well-balanced meal. The light and refreshing dressing, made with Greek yogurt, adds a creamy element without all the extra calories. This is a great option for those trying to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
3of 12
Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Frozen Peas, Green Onions, Red Onion, Tuna
If you're a fan of traditional tuna salad, you'll love this classic tuna pasta salad. It's a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering. The combination of tuna, pasta, celery, and onion mixed with a tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or using your preferred pasta shape.
4of 12
CREAMY TUNA PASTA SALAD
Main Ingredients: Fusilli Pasta, Tuna, Light Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt
This creamy tuna pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and is great for feeding a large group. The creaminess comes from a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream, giving the dish a tangy and rich flavor. The addition of peas and chopped hard-boiled eggs adds a nice texture and color to the salad. This is a great recipe to make for a potluck, barbecue, or any gathering where you need to feed a lot of people.
5of 12
Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Tuna, Pasta Shells, Hard Boiled Eggs, Celery Stalks
This simple tuna pasta salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It's a great option for those busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to cook. The combination of tuna, pasta, and a simple dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice creates a light and refreshing meal. You can also add in your favorite vegetables to give it some extra flavor and nutrition.
6of 12
Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Tuna, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Scallions, Fresh
This Mediterranean tuna pasta salad is a delicious twist on the classic version. It's filled with fresh and flavorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. The dressing, made with a combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, adds a tangy and zesty element to the salad. This is a great dish to serve at a summer party or to enjoy as a light and healthy lunch.
7of 12
Quick Summer Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Tuna, Red Onions, Pepperoncini, Sweet Peppers
This quick summer tuna pasta salad is perfect for those hot days when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The combination of tuna, pasta, and fresh summer vegetables like cucumber and cherry tomatoes creates a light and refreshing meal. The dressing, made with a combination of lemon juice and Dijon mustard, adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the salad. This is a great dish to serve at a picnic or barbecue.
8of 12
Quick and Easy Corn & Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Tuna, Pasta, Spring Onions, Frozen Corn, White Wine
If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, this corn and tuna pasta salad is the perfect option. It's filled with tender chunks of tuna, sweet corn, and pasta, making it a satisfying and flavorful dish. The dressing, made with a combination of mayonnaise and mustard, adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
9of 12
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Elbow Pasta, Celery, Medium Onion, Mayonnaise, Tuna
This tuna macaroni salad is a classic recipe that is always a hit. The combination of tuna, macaroni, and a creamy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. The addition of diced red bell pepper and celery adds a nice crunch and color to the salad. This is a great dish to make for a potluck or to enjoy as a simple and delicious lunch.
10of 12
TUNA PASTA SALAD
Main Ingredients: Gemelli Pasta, Tuna, Small Red Onion, Sweet Peas
This tuna pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. The combination of tender tuna, pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced and flavorful meal. The dressing, made with a combination of olive oil and red wine vinegar, adds a tangy and zesty element to the salad. You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using your preferred pasta shape.
11of 12
Arugula Tuna Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Salad, Farfalle Pasta, Fresh Green Beans, Tuna
This arugula tuna pasta salad is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a light and healthy meal. The combination of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and tuna creates a flavorful and satisfying salad. The dressing, made with a combination of olive oil and lemon juice, adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dish. This is a great recipe to make for lunch or to serve as a side dish at dinner.
12of 12
Tuna Pasta Salad with Mustard Yogurt Dressing
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Tuna, Hard Cooked Eggs, Fresh Chives, Feta
This tuna pasta salad with mustard yogurt dressing is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. The combination of yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice creates a creamy and tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with the tuna and pasta. The addition of chopped red onion and dill adds a nice pop of flavor and color to the salad. This is a great dish to make for a summer barbecue or to enjoy as a light and healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
1. Pasta
The star of this recipe is, of course, pasta. You can use any small-shaped pasta such as shells, macaroni, or rotini. The key is to cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This will ensure that the pasta holds its shape and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Tuna
The next essential ingredient is canned tuna. Make sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the salad. You can use any variety of tuna, such as chunk or flaked, depending on your preference. Tuna is a great source of protein and adds a delicious seafood element to this dish.
3. Vegetables
To add some crunch and freshness to the salad, we'll be using a variety of vegetables. You'll need some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and celery. Feel free to add any other veggies you may have on hand, such as bell peppers or carrots. Chopping the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces will ensure that every bite of the salad is packed with flavor.
4. Dressing
The dressing is what ties all the flavors of this salad together. For this recipe, we'll be making a zesty and tangy dressing using mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and some herbs and spices. You can also use a store-bought dressing if you're short on time, but we highly recommend trying out this homemade dressing for maximum flavor.
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to add some salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
2. Prepare the vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, chop the vegetables and set them aside. Chopping the vegetables into small, uniform pieces will ensure that they are well-distributed throughout the salad.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs and spices. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, drained tuna, and chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined.
5. Let it chill
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the salad even more delicious.
And there you have it, a simple and delicious southern tuna pasta salad that is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Enjoy!
