Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Pasta
  • 1 Tbsp Kosher Salt (for water)
  • 10 oz canned Tuna, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup Celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Pickle Relish
  • 3/4 cup full-fat Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt (or to taste)

Instructions:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente (usually 2 minutes less than directed).
  2. Rinse and Cool: Immediately drain the pasta in a colander. Crucially, rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking process and wash away surface starch. Drain completely and set aside.
  3. Drain the Tuna: Open the cans of tuna and press down firmly to expel as much liquid as possible. Flake the thoroughly drained tuna into the large mixing bowl.
  4. Prep Vegetables and Mix Base: Finely dice the celery and red onion. Add them, along with the sweet relish, to the tuna in the mixing bowl.
  5. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine: Pour the dressing mixture and the chopped fresh dill over the tuna and vegetables. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Fold in Pasta: Add the cooled, rinsed macaroni to the bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the pasta into the dressing mixture until every piece is coated. Avoid over-mixing.
  8. Initial Seasoning: Taste the mixture and add the black pepper and initial salt measurement.
  9. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2-3 hours is better). This resting period allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to marry.
  10. Final Adjustments: Before serving, give the salad a final stir. Check the consistency and seasoning. If too thick, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of cold water or a splash of milk to loosen it slightly. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.