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Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad for Easy Lunches

A serving of creamy tuna pasta salad made with fusilli pasta, tuna chunks, corn, and red peppers on a white plate.
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This creamy tuna pasta salad combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables in a rich dressing. It is simple to prepare and perfect for make-ahead lunches or potluck dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 7 oz pasta (such as rotini or elbow macaroni)
  • 8 oz canned tuna, drained
  • 1.1 lb sweetcorn, drained (about two 15-oz cans)
  • 1 large cucumber, chopped into small chunks
  • 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and chopped into cubes
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 4 tbsp creme fraiche (or sour cream)
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, sweetcorn, chopped cucumber, and chopped red peppers.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, creme fraiche, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Add the chopped chives.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • For a high protein tuna salad variation, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This cold pasta salad tastes best when made ahead, allowing the pasta to absorb the dressing flavors.
  • If you are preparing this for a picnic food idea, keep it well-chilled until serving time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy-cold-salad/