Tuna Pasta Salad

Tasty Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe from Native America

Region / culture: Native America | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tuna Pasta Salad is a classic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, pasta, and fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing for a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

Tuna Pasta Salad has been a popular dish for many years, often served at picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 cups shell macaroni
1 can tuna
1 small onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup finely sliced celery
1 large carrot, grated
2 hard boiled eggs, mashed up
0.5 cup Hellmann's Real mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 tsp garlic salt
0.25 tsp paprika

How to prepare

Cook the macaroni until it is al dente.
Hard boil the eggs.
Drain the pasta well and let it cool.
Add tuna, breaking up any chunks.
Add celery and onion, along with carrot.
Mix salad dressing with lemon juice, garlic salt, and paprika.
Spoon the dressing over the top of the salad.
Gently mix the ingredients together.
Add the mashed eggs and stir lightly once again.

Variations

You can customize this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or olives. You can also add in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- You can customize this recipe by adding in your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.

- For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat pasta or a light mayonnaise in place of the traditional ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Tuna Pasta Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It is also delicious served cold as a refreshing lunch option.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Tuna Pasta Salad is to cook the pasta until it is al dente and to mix the ingredients gently to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tuna on hand, you can substitute it with canned salmon or chicken. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.

Make Ahead Tips

Tuna Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix the ingredients well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish this Tuna Pasta Salad with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Tuna Pasta Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tuna Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and can be made ahead of time for a quick and convenient meal option. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Italy. My grandmother, Nonna Maria, was known for her delicious cooking and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

One day, as I was helping Nonna Maria in the kitchen, she pulled out a dusty old cookbook from the shelf. She flipped through the pages, her eyes sparkling with excitement, until she landed on a recipe for Tuna Pasta Salad. "Ah, this is a favorite of mine," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "I learned how to make this dish many years ago from a dear friend of mine. Let's give it a try today."

And so, we set to work, following the recipe step by step. Nonna Maria taught me how to cook the pasta just right, how to mix the tuna and vegetables together with the perfect amount of dressing, and how to garnish the salad with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Tuna Pasta Salad and was instantly transported to a world of delicious flavors and memories.

From that day on, Tuna Pasta Salad became a staple in our household. Nonna Maria would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply just because. It was a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the bond we shared through cooking and sharing meals.

As the years went by, I continued to make Tuna Pasta Salad for my own family and friends, always adding my own twist to the recipe while still keeping the essence of Nonna Maria's original version. I shared the recipe with neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who would listen, spreading the joy of this delicious dish far and wide.

One day, I received a letter from a friend who had moved to America. She had tried my Tuna Pasta Salad recipe and loved it so much that she wanted to share it with her new community. She asked if I would be willing to write down the recipe for her to pass along.

And so, I sat down at my kitchen table, with my trusty old cookbook by my side, and wrote out the recipe for Tuna Pasta Salad. As I wrote, memories of Nonna Maria and our time in the kitchen together flooded back to me, filling me with warmth and gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me.

I sent the recipe off to my friend in America, along with a note thanking her for her kind words and for keeping the spirit of Tuna Pasta Salad alive. Little did I know, that recipe would travel far and wide, finding its way into the kitchens of countless people who would come to love it just as much as I did.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and herbs, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy knowing that the recipe for Tuna Pasta Salad continues to bring people together and create lasting memories. It's a dish that has stood the test of time, just like the love and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

And so, every time I make Tuna Pasta Salad, I am reminded of Nonna Maria, my dear friend in America, and all the people who have shared in the joy of this delicious dish. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always bring a smile to my face, as it represents not just a recipe, but a connection to the past and a celebration of the present.