Summer Time Tuna Pasta Salad
Have you tried the Farmer’s Garden pickles by Vlasic? They sent me a few coupons so my family could give them a try and see what we thought. I found them at most my local stores, but some stores carried more of a selection than others. So keep an eye out for them next time you are at your local store.I got them right before I had the baby, things got busy so the jar just sat on my counter. I should have just opened it right away and tasted them. But life was a bit crazy and I have to admit I was a bit worried I might not like them due to them being “thick” pickles slices. I like a crisp pickle with a “snap” when you eat them… and I was worried they might not be crispy. SO on my counter they sat. My little sister came to visit and asked my why I had pickles sitting on my counter and I told her I needed to try them but just had not found the time to yet. She said pickles are always best cold, so she put them in the refrigerator for me. Long story short, I opened them later that day and OH MY WORD they are crisp, mouth watering and YUMMY. I should have popped that jar open weeks ago. These are finger licking good.
So that night I made Tuna Pasta Salad, this is a recipe I have been making since I was about 12 years old. As soon as the fresh cucumbers are ready in the garden it is time to make this Summer Time Tuna Pasta Salad.To make this recipe you will need:
- 8 cups cooked pasta (Macaroni or Mini Penne)
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Farmers Garden Dill Chip pickle juice (yes just the juice)
- 3 cups diced cucumber
- 1/3 cup Farmers Garden Bread and Butter Chips diced
- 2/3 cup Farmers Garden Dill Chip diced
- 2 packages of Tuna 6 0z (12 oz total or 1 cup)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese cubed (optional, I prefer it without, but my husband likes it)
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, I tend to cook mine a little longer because once it is cold it firms up a bit. Drain pasta, then rinse with cold water. I even add ice cubes to make sure the pasta is chilled well.
Wash your cucumbers, then dice them. You will also want to dice the cheese, and pickles (again cheese is optional I prefer it without the cheese). Add the tuna, cheese, pickles and cucumber to the pasta in a large bowl, mix well and set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise and pickle juice. Whisk till smooth and lumps are gone, add a dash of pepper. Pour over the pasta, mix well and enjoy.