Description
A light and healthy tuna macaroni salad featuring albacore tuna, green peas, celery, red onion, and a creamy Greek yogurt-based dressing. This refreshing pasta salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
For the Macaroni Salad:
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 (5 ounce) can flaked albacore tuna, packed in water and drained
- 3/4 cup frozen green peas, thawed
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/4 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon or whole grain mustard)
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon (ingredient missing in original recipe, assuming olive oil or omitted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just past al dente. Drain immediately and run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process. Chill the pasta in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, flaked tuna, thawed green peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion. If using fresh herbs, add them now.
- Mix Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Store: Serve the tuna macaroni salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for later use. Before serving from refrigeration, you may add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the salad has thickened.
Notes
- Use fiber-enriched or whole-grain pasta for added nutrients and fiber if preferred.
- Generously salt the pasta cooking water to enhance pasta flavor and prevent blandness.
- Add green peas partially frozen to help cool the pasta quickly if preparing ahead of time.
- If the salad becomes less creamy after chilling, add milk one tablespoon at a time to restore desired creaminess.
- For a kid-friendly option, omit fresh herbs and soak raw onion in cold water to reduce sharpness or omit onion altogether.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
