Best 11 Cold Tuna Shells Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our tantalizing cold tuna shells salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This refreshing and versatile dish is perfect for a light and healthy lunch, a delightful summer picnic, or as a vibrant side dish to complement your favorite grilled proteins. Dive into the vibrant world of our three irresistible recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the classic combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and celery to the tangy kick of lemon-herb dressing, and the creamy embrace of avocado and bacon, these recipes cater to a wide range of palates. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure, as we guide you through the steps of creating this refreshing and flavorful salad, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary symphony of tastes.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

TUNA PASTA SALAD



Tuna Pasta Salad image

This Tuna Pasta Salad with shell noodles, peas, tuna, celery, and Greek yogurt is fast, healthy, and a dish your whole family can enjoy!

Provided by Lauren Allen

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces small shells pasta (, or your favorite bite-size pasta)
7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water (, drained)
2 ribs celery (, chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (, chopped)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
dried dill weed (, to taste, optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain.
  • In a large bowl add chopped onion and celery, peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the mayo and Greek yogurt.
  • Stir half of the sauce into the pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and pepper and dried dil, to taste.
  • Refrigerate pasta and remaining sauce separately, covered, for 30 min. Stir in remaining sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 275 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

COLD TUNA MACARONI SALAD



Cold Tuna Macaroni Salad image

A tuna and macaroni salad best served on a sunny summer day with a fresh muffin on the side.

Provided by D

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
3 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (12 ounce) can tuna
1 ½ cups light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Italian-style salad dressing
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, celery and tuna.
  • Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, salad dressing, sugar and pepper. Add to pasta salad, mix together, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499.3 calories, Carbohydrate 52.7 g, Cholesterol 37.8 mg, Fat 22 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 22.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 495.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

TUNA-STUFFED JUMBO SHELLS



Tuna-Stuffed Jumbo Shells image

These light, fresh-tasting stuffed shells really star as part of a luncheon menu. I came up with this distinctive combination of ingredients by accident one day using leftovers from other recipes. It's a cool summer main dish. - Phy Bresse, Lumberton, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

10 jumbo pasta shells
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar
1 can (12 ounces) tuna, drained
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green onions
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
CREAMY CELERY DRESSING:
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon onion powder
Lettuce leaves and red onion rings, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and sugar. Stir in tuna, celery, onions, green pepper, carrot and parsley. Spoon into pasta shells; cover and refrigerate. , For the dressing, combine sour cream, sugar, vinegar, mayonnaise, celery seed and onion powder. , Arrange lettuce, onion rings and shells on a serving platter; drizzle with dressing.

Nutrition Facts :

TUNA SHELL SALAD



Tuna Shell Salad image

Do you like tuna but need a new way to serve it? Foll Pat Kordas' lead. "I created this light salad as a way to use tuna in dishes other than sandwiches," the Nutley, New Jersey cook explains. "Mustard and dill enhance the flavor."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (7 ounces) small pasta shells
1 can (6 ounces) light water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large carrot, shredded
3/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon dill weed
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, onion and carrot. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts :

COLD MACARONI AND TUNA SALAD



Cold Macaroni and Tuna Salad image

This is a simple and good recipe that is great served on those hot summer days and can even be prepared the night before so that it is ready and cold when you come home from work the next day. My husband never ate this until we got married and in the summer he requests it every other week. You can substitute chicken for the tuna and it is great that way also. I serve it on a leaf of lettuce, for looks, with an assortment of crackers. Happy eating!

Provided by HSTR

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Tuna Salad Recipes

Time 1h58m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 eggs
2 ¾ cups macaroni
½ (10 ounce) package frozen English peas
2 (5 ounce) cans tuna, drained
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water, cool under cold running water, and peel.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Put frozen peas into a colander and rinse with hot water; drain well.
  • Place the macaroni and peas in a large bowl. Dice eggs and add to the bowl. Put the tuna in the bowl, flaking it apart.
  • Stir mayonnaise into the mixture a little at a time, so the mixture is moist but not soggy. Sprinkle the salt and pepper and mix one last time. Cover and refrigerate for a least 1 hour or overnight.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.8 g, Cholesterol 108.2 mg, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 219.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

COLD TUNA & SHELLS SALAD



Cold Tuna & Shells Salad image

Tuna noodle salad! It's pretty simple easy and straight forward. Great for the summer, pot lucks, a complete meal or a side.I've been making this for about ten years it was one of my girlfriends recipes but every time she see me she wants me to make it. she says she can't do it right anymore so she passed it down to me. you can use any mayo you like, (I recommend Miracle Whip because it just doesn't taste right to me with other mayos).

Provided by Shellflutterby

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 (8 ounce) tuna (I use about 4 or 5 8oz. cans)
1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups Miracle Whip
3 tablespoons pickle relish (based on pref.)
1 (1 lb) pasta noodles (I use small shells)
1 -2 tablespoon paprika (for color)

Steps:

  • Cook the the pasta noodles, drain and set in the fridge to chill. Don't worry about them sticking together they'll separate once you start mixing (spread them out on a cook sheet for less sticking and for a quick chill put them in the freezer for about 10 minutes).
  • Cut up the cheese into bite size pieces and set a side.
  • Drain the tuna and set aside.
  • In a large (about 4-qt) bowl divide the pasta in half and mix in 1/2 the tuna, cheese, mayo and pickle relish.
  • After it's well mixed add the rest of the ingredients leaving out the paprika.
  • Once everything is mixed well add the paprika (it's just for color).
  • Depending on your taste you might want to add more mayo, paprika, or pickle relish.
  • I usually add more mayo the next day. Chill for 10-20 minutes in the fridge and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.4, Fat 15.1, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 72.8, Sodium 266.2, Carbohydrate 4.4, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.1, Protein 33.8

COLD TUNA SALAD



Cold Tuna Salad image

This is such a great refeshing dish for the summer.It makes a great light lunch or dinner.I usually serve it on a bed of lettuce and crackers or with some slice vegetables (tomatoes,cucumbers carrots). You can adjust this to your taste.

Provided by Aunt Bs

Categories     Tuna

Time 23m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) elbow macaroni (or twisted pasta)
1 cup mayonnaise (more or less)
1 (6 ounce) tuna in water, drained (I use 2 cans)
1 hard-boiled egg (optional)
3/4 cup chopped onion (I like vidalias)
3/4 cup chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon celery seed (or 1/2 cup fresh chopped)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to directions, drain.
  • In large bowl add macaroni and remaining ingredients.
  • Mix well.
  • Refrigerate till chilled or cold,.
  • As it sits in the refrigerater, the noodles "absorb" some of the mayonnaise and you might want to add alittle more before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534.2, Fat 22.4, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 34, Sodium 936.2, Carbohydrate 64, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 7.1, Protein 19.7

STUFFED TUNA SHELLS



Stuffed Tuna Shells image

Enjoy these tuna stuffed pasta shells - perfect appetizers for potluck that are ready in 20 minutes.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells (about half of 12-ounce package)
1 box (9 oz) frozen baby sweet peas
1/4 cup Yoplait® plain yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 cans (6 ounces each) tuna packed in water, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of paprika

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package; pat dry.
  • Rinse frozen peas with cold water to separate; drain and pat dry. Mix yogurt and mayonnaise in medium bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except paprika. Gently fold in peas.
  • Spoon 1 heaping tablespoonful tuna mixture into each shell. Sprinkle with paprika before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 280 mg

TUNA SALAD WITH SHELLS



Tuna Salad With Shells image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     salads and dressings

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups macaroni shells
1 6 1/2- or 7-ounce can tuna in oil, undrained
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
1/4 cup drained capers
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

Steps:

  • Cook shells in boiling salted water until tender. Drain well.
  • Break tuna into chunks and combine with tomato, cucumber, zucchini and capers. Add lemon juice. Stir mayonnaise until smooth and fold in. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with parsley and basil and chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 705, UnsaturatedFat 41 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 49 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 687 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

TUNA & PEA SALAD IN SHELLS



Tuna & Pea Salad in Shells image

This is a fantastic main dish perfect for those hot summer days when a light, cool meal sounds good. I make the day before to let the flavors blend.

Provided by Claudia Dawn

Categories     Tuna

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (9 ounce) package frozen peas, cooked,drained,cooled
16 large shell macaroni, for stuffing
1 (6 1/2 ounce) can albacore tuna, drained,flaked
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon chopped green onion
2 eggs, hard boiled,chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dill weed

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni as directed on package; drain.
  • Set aside in bowl of cold water.
  • Combine remaining ingredients.
  • Add peas; toss gently.
  • Drain water off of pasta.
  • Spoon about 1/4 cup tuna mixture into each macaroni shell.
  • Cover; refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 105.9, Fat 4.9, SaturatedFat 2.2, Cholesterol 63.6, Sodium 186, Carbohydrate 6.5, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 3.4, Protein 9

STUFFED TUNA SALAD SHELLS



Stuffed Tuna Salad Shells image

Cold stuffed shells for an easy appetizer or healthy snack. You can sub chicken or salmon for the tuna. From Betty Crocker's Best-Loved Recipes.

Provided by carmenskitchen

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 27m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1 cup frozen green pea
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise or 1/4 cup salad dressing
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
salt and pepper
1 dash paprika

Steps:

  • Cook and drain pasta shells as directed on package;pat dry.
  • Rinse frozen peas with cold water to separate;drain and pat dry.
  • Mix yogurt and mayonnaise in medium bowl and stir in tuna, onion, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper.
  • Fold in peas.
  • Spoon one heaping tablespoonful of mixture into each shell.
  • Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor. Look for tuna that is packed in water or olive oil, and avoid tuna that is packed in brine.
  • If you are using canned tuna, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your salad to add flavor and texture. Good choices include cucumber, celery, onion, and tomatoes.
  • Add some herbs to your salad for extra flavor. Fresh basil, dill, or parsley are all good choices.
  • Use a light dressing for your salad to avoid overpowering the other ingredients. A simple vinaigrette or mayonnaise-based dressing is a good choice.
  • Serve your salad immediately after making it for the best flavor.

Conclusion:

Cold tuna shells salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer meal. It is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice. With a variety of ingredients and flavors, cold tuna shells salad is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give cold tuna shells salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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