Tuna and Shells Salad

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A glass bowl filled with creamy pasta salad containing shell pasta, diced vegetables, and fresh dill, with a wooden spoon resting inside the bowl.

A simple chilled pasta salad with shell macaroni, canned tuna, and a flavorful dressing. Briny olives add an unexpected pop that makes this salad anything but boring.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 10

Servings: Servings

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

2.5 cups (8 ounces) dry small pasta shells
1 Tablespoon coarse Kosher salt
2 cans (5oz each) tuna, drained
4 hard boiled eggs
1 cup Spanish or Manzanilla green olives
1/3 cup minced red onion
3/4 cup (3 stalks) diced celery
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt and the dry shells. Cook the pasta until al dente, following package directions.
While the pasta cooks, roughly chop the olives and eggs. I like chopping them into big pieces, but this is a matter of personal preference.
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped eggs, olives, red onion, and celery. Set aside.
Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it under cold water until fully cooled. Drain well and add to the bowl with the tuna and veggies.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayo, mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, pepper, and chopped dill. Taste the dressing and add a pinch of salt if needed. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until everything is well coated.
Serve right away or keep chilled until ready to eat.

Notes

The pasta will soak up more dressing the longer it sits. If you want a super creamy salad, serve immediately.
I use solid white tuna in water. I like getting tuna with big chunks so that I can break them up myself during mixing. If you're using tuna in oil, drain it really well so the salad doesn't get greasy.
Any small pasta like elbows or orecchiette will work in place of the shells.

Cuisine American

Course Salad

Nutrition