Stop using mayonnaise in tuna pasta salad as 1 simple ingredient makes it 'taste better'

As the mercury continues to soar, a refreshing pasta salad is just the ticket for a light meal, especially if you're a fan of tuna. This dish isn't just invigorating; it's also versatile, allowing you to toss in a variety of veggies for a wholesome feast, reports the Express.

Chelsea, the culinary whizz behind Chelsea's Messy Apron blog, has crafted an exquisite tuna pasta salad recipe that's quick to cook, taking only ten minutes, with a prep time of 30 minutes. But her recipe comes with a unique twist. Staying away from the classic mayonnaise-based tuna pasta salads, Chelsea introduces a "secret ingredient" that "adds so much more flavour".

She said: "This salad ranks as one of my favourite creamy pasta salads. It's creamy, richly flavoured, and has loads of texture.

"We are completely convinced this is the best of the best as far as tuna macaroni salads go!"

The foodies points out that Caesar salad dressing is the key to elevating your tuna pasta salad to "taste better".

She explained: "I know, it's a little unique, but it's a game changer! It complements the tuna so nicely and keeps the salad from tasting like plain mayo (like so many tuna mac salads you've probably had in the past!).

"The Caesar salad dressing adds a lot of seasonings and flavour, so you don't need to add too many other ingredients. It's a convenient shortcut for loads of flavour."

Ingredients

• 23g pasta
• 129g frozen peas
• 284g tuna, preferably in olive oil
• 198g Caesar salad dressing
• 151g sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3g garlic powder
• 94g pickles
• Half of a red bell pepper
• 2 celery stalks
• 77g carrots
• 72g red onion, diced

Method

Start by preparing the pasta according to package directions. Generously salt the water, or the whole salad will taste under-seasoned.

Add frozen peas with the pasta for the last minute of boiling. Drain pasta and peas, rinse under cold water, let cool, and let dry.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: Caesar salad dressing, sour cream, salt and pepper to taste and garlic powder.

Measure veggies after dicing: dice pickles, bell pepper, celery, onion, and carrots.

Add the pasta and peas to a large bowl. Top with all salad veggie toppings and the thoroughly drained tuna.

Add the dressing and gently mix everything to combine. Stir until ingredients are well coated, then taste and season again.

At this point, you may need to add more salt, but it depends on how salty the Caesar salad dressing is.