Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Close-up of a mound of Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad made with rotini pasta, tuna, and fresh dill on a white plate.

The Best Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with Dill and Celery


  • Author: Ahazzam
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This recipe provides instructions for a traditional, creamy tuna pasta salad featuring crisp celery and fresh dill, perfect for potlucks or quick meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, pickle relish, lemon juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the mayonnaise to the mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad is creamy. Do not overmix.
  4. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a thicker salad, reduce the amount of lemon juice slightly.
  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a slightly lighter texture.
  • This salad tastes best when made ahead of time; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 22
  • Cholesterol: 45