Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tuna Tarragon Pasta Salad

TUNA TARRAGON (Pasta) SALAD from Souplantation
5 cups small shell pasta
1 1/4 cups penne pasta
1 cup spinach fettuccine pasta, in 3" lengths
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cans tuna (6 ounces each) with liquid
2 cups sweet pickle juice
1 3/4 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups diced sweet pickle (1/8 inch dice)
1 cup diced celery (1/8 inch dice)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons dry tarragon leaves
1 teaspoon table salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

For pasta: In a pot, bring water to a full boil. Add pasta and cook for approximately 10 minutes in boiling water until al dente (soft, but still firm). Immediately strain pasta and flash-cool in cold water. Drain water completely. Coat pasta with oil (or cooking spray) to prevent sticking. Set aside.

For tuna and dressing: Place tuna in a container and break down into small pieces. Add the remaining ingredients and thoroughly whisk to combine.

Assemble salad: Combine dressing and cooked pasta and thoroughly mix. Allow salad to marinate for 8 hours. Season to taste with salt, pepper or sweet pickle juice.

Yields about 12 cups.