Add a refreshing twist to your usual pasta salad with this Tuna Apple Pasta Salad. The combination of tender macaroni, savory tuna, crunchy celery, and sweet apple pieces makes this dish a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing, enhanced with a touch of apple cider vinegar, ties everything together for a perfect side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 10 ounces elbow macaroni
- 10-14 ounces canned tuna, well-drained
- ½ small red onion, diced finely (about ½ cup)
- 2 celery ribs, sliced very thin (about ½ cup)
- 1 large apple, chopped into ½-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni as per the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- While the pasta is cooking, finely mince the red onion and slice the celery ribs very thin.
- Chop the apple into ½-inch pieces.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, drained tuna, minced red onion, sliced celery, and chopped apple.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Tuna Apple Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory tuna, sweet apple, and crunchy vegetables makes it a refreshing and satisfying dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic, a potluck, or a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit.