Tuna Tarragon Pasta Salad Recipe
Description
This delightful Tuna Tarragon Pasta Salad is a tribute to the unique flavors found in the popular dish at Sweet Tomatoes. The sweet and aromatic notes of tarragon harmoniously combine with the subtle richness of mild tuna, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Over time, I’ve perfected this recipe to bring the essence of that beloved restaurant salad right into our home kitchen. With the addition of sweet green peas, this dish not only bursts with flavor but also boasts a beautiful palette of colors and textures. Quick to prepare, it can easily fit into your busy schedule, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or potluck gatherings.
Recipe Details
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Tuna
- Keywords: < 30 Mins, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 68.6 mg |
| Sodium | 892.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 74.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g |
| Sugars | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 41.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | Mayonnaise |
| ½ cup | Sour cream |
| 1 tbsp | Lemon juice |
| 1 tbsp | Vinegar |
| 1 tbsp | Dried tarragon |
| 1 tbsp | Dijon-style mustard |
| 2 tsp | Sugar |
| 1 can | Tuna in water (drained) |
| 2 cups | Frozen green peas (thawed) |
| 1 cup | Shell pasta (cooked) |
| ¼ tsp | Salt |
| ⅛ tsp | Pepper |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, dried tarragon, and Dijon-style mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing will serve as the flavorful foundation for your salad.
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Add Tuna and Peas: Gently fold in the drained tuna, ensuring that it breaks up nicely and blends with the dressing. Next, incorporate the thawed green peas, mixing carefully to preserve their shape and vibrant color. The sweet burst of peas complements the tuna perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
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Toss in the Pasta: Add the cooked shell pasta to the bowl, mixing it thoroughly with the dressing, tuna, and peas. Make sure that each piece of pasta is coated evenly with the creamy dressing, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Season to Taste: Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. This seasoning step is crucial as it elevates the overall flavor of the salad, balancing the creamy and sweet elements beautifully.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time is essential, as it allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to develop and deepen. The tarragon’s distinct aroma will really blossom during this time, making the salad even more delicious.
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Final Touches: Before serving, give the salad a good stir to recombine the ingredients and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve this Tuna Tarragon Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with additional tarragon if desired, for a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
This Tuna Tarragon Pasta Salad is not only easy to prepare but also showcases how simple ingredients can create a dish that feels special and full of flavor. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal, a hearty lunch, or a dish to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is versatile enough to meet all your needs. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
