Hungry Horde Pasta Salad
A flavorful pasta salad combining tender corkscrew pasta, tuna, ripe tomatoes, black olives, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente in boiling water.
- Drain the pasta.
- Mix the cooked pasta with half of the mayonnaise.
- Add drained tuna, chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and diced tomatoes.
- Fold in the remaining mayonnaise.
- Season with pepper and Season-All to taste.
- Refrigerate, covered, for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream to the dressing. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. This dish can also be turned into a delicious seafood salad by adding shrimp or crab.
Serving Suggestions
This Hungry Horde Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a filling side dish with sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Mystery Crackers for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding a light green salad or some fresh fruit on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, mix in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving to refresh the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungry Horde Pasta Salad contains roughly 136 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While corkscrew pasta adds a fun twist, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as bowties or rotini. Just ensure it's cooked al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, simply omit the tuna and replace it with chickpeas or diced tofu for added protein. You can also include more vegetables or some diced cheese for extra flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this pasta salad is great for meal prep! Just prepare it in advance and store it in individual servings. It keeps well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).