Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Recipe

The Souplantation tuna tarragon recipe is a beloved dish that brings together creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors in a delightful pasta salad. Originating from Souplantation’s iconic menu, this tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe combines high-quality canned tuna, vibrant pastas, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, Pairing with Souplantation Chicken Noodle.

This tuna tarragon Souplantation dish stands out for its unique blend of textures, from tender noodles to crunchy celery. The addition of tarragon elevates the flavor, making it a fan favorite. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this recipe, you’ll love recreating this classic at home.

Follow this guide to master the Souplantation tuna tarragon salad and impress your guests with its nostalgic taste.

What is Souplantation Tuna Tarragon and What Does It Taste Like?

The Souplantation tuna tarragon salad is a creamy pasta salad featuring a trio of pastas-penne, spinach fettuccine, and shells-mixed with premium canned tuna and a tangy dressing. The dish is known for its vibrant textures and balanced flavors, making it a staple at Souplantation’s buffet. Its Souplantation tuna tarragon calories are moderate, offering a satisfying yet light meal option.

The taste of tuna tarragon Souplantation is a delightful mix of creamy mayonnaise, tart pickling juice, and the subtle anise-like flavor of dried tarragon. The bread and butter pickles add a sweet-tangy crunch, while celery provides a fresh, crisp bite. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes.

This tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe is both comforting and refreshing, with the tarragon lending a distinctive, slightly floral finish. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides, making it ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients for Souplantation Tuna Tarragon

• 1 cup penne pasta (cooked)
• 1 cup spinach fettuccine (cooked)
• 1 cup small pasta shells (cooked)
• 2 cans (5 oz each) line-caught tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp pickling juice (from bread and butter pickles)
• 1/2 cup bread and butter pickles, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped (reserve leaves for garnish)
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Utensils

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing spoon
• Can opener

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Copycat Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne, spinach fettuccine, and pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickling juice. Whisk until smooth to create the base for the tuna tarragon Souplantation dressing.
3. Add Pickles and Seasoning: Fold in the chopped bread and butter pickles and dried tarragon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Incorporate Vegetables and Tuna: Add the chopped celery and drained tuna to the dressing. Mix gently to combine, ensuring the tuna remains flaky.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Using clean hands or a spoon, gently fold the pasta into the dressing mixture, ensuring all noodles are evenly coated.
6. Garnish: Top the Souplantation tuna tarragon salad with reserved celery leaves for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
7. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Substitutions for Ingredients

• Tuna: Use canned salmon or cooked chicken for a different protein option.
• Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
• Pickling Juice: Use white vinegar or lemon juice for a similar tangy kick.
• Pasta: Swap any pasta shape (e.g., rotini or farfalle) if penne, fettuccine, or shells are unavailable.
• Tarragon: Fresh tarragon (use 1 tbsp, finely chopped) can replace dried tarragon for a brighter flavor.

Serving Ideas for Tuna Tarragon Souplantation

1. As a Main Dish: Serve the tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe as a standalone meal with a side of crusty bread.
2. Sandwich Filling: Spoon into pita bread or a wrap for a hearty Souplantation tuna tarragon sandwich.
3. Salad Topper: Add a scoop over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.
4. Party Platter: Present in small cups with crackers for an appetizer at gatherings.
5. Picnic Side: Pair with grilled veggies for a refreshing outdoor meal.
6. Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap for the tuna tarragon Souplantation.
7. Stuffed Avocado: Fill avocado halves with the salad for a creamy, nutritious dish.
8. Brunch Option: Serve alongside fresh fruit for a light brunch spread.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Souplantation Tuna Tarragon

1. Use high-quality, line-caught tuna for the best flavor in your Souplantation tuna tarragon recipe.
2. Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture in the salad.
3. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness.
4. Adjust pickling juice to taste for desired tanginess in the tuna tarragon Souplantation.
5. Use fresh celery for maximum crunch and flavor.
6. Mix gently to keep tuna flaky and avoid mushy pasta.
7. Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.
8. Double the tarragon for a bolder herbaceous taste in your Souplantation tuna tarragon.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding pasta to ensure a balanced dressing.
10. Garnish with celery leaves just before serving for a fresh look.

Storage and Reheating Guidance for Tuna Tarragon Souplantation

Store the Souplantation tuna tarragon salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the creamy dressing may separate. To refresh, stir gently before serving; no reheating is needed, as this dish is best served cold. Add a splash of pickling juice if the salad seems dry.

FAQs on Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about this recipe

1. How to Make Tuna Tarragon?

From our experience, making the Souplantation tuna tarragon recipe is straightforward and fun! Start by boiling a mix of penne, spinach fettuccine, and pasta shells until al dente. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and pickling juice for a tangy dressing, then fold in chopped bread and butter pickles, celery, dried tarragon, and drained canned tuna. Mix in the cooled pasta, garnish with celery leaves, and chill for 30 minutes. This tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful salad every time.

2. How Long Does Tuna Macaroni Last in the Fridge?

We’ve found that the Souplantation tuna tarragon salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy dressing holds up well, but don’t freeze it, as the texture can become grainy. Stir gently before serving, and add a splash of pickling juice if it seems dry.

3. What Herb Goes with Tinned Tuna?

In our kitchen, dried tarragon is the star herb for the tuna tarragon Souplantation salad. Its slightly sweet, anise-like flavor pairs perfectly with tinned tuna’s savory notes. A small amount goes a long way, but we sometimes add a pinch of fresh dill or parsley for variety, though tarragon remains the classic choice.

4. Can I Use Fresh Tarragon in the Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Recipe?

Absolutely, we’ve tried fresh tarragon in the tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe, and it’s fantastic! Use about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh tarragon instead of 1 teaspoon dried. It gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor, though the dried version is more convenient and still delicious.

5. What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in Tuna Tarragon Souplantation?

We’ve experimented with substitutions and found Greek yogurt works wonderfully in the Souplantation tuna tarragon dressing. It adds a lighter, tangier profile while keeping the creaminess. You can also try half yogurt, half mayo to balance flavor and richness.

6. How Can I Make the Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Lower in Calories?

To cut down on Souplantation tuna tarragon calories, we suggest using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the dressing. You can also reduce the amount of dressing and increase the celery for extra crunch. Using whole-grain pasta adds fiber, making it more filling with fewer calories.

7. Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for the Tuna Tarragon Souplantation Recipe?

We’ve swapped pasta shapes in the tuna tarragon Souplantation and it works great! While penne, spinach fettuccine, and shells are traditional for texture, rotini or farfalle hold the dressing well too. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness.

8. What Type of Tuna is Best for Souplantation Tuna Tarragon?

From our trials, line-caught canned tuna in water is ideal for the Souplantation tuna tarragon recipe. It’s flaky, flavorful, and widely available. Drain it well to avoid a watery salad. We’ve also used albacore tuna for a slightly milder taste with great results.

9. How Do I Store Leftovers of Tuna Tarragon Souplantation?

We store our tuna tarragon Souplantation in an airtight container in the fridge, where it lasts up to 3 days. We’ve noticed the flavors deepen after a day, but stir gently before serving to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing, as the dressing can separate.

10. Can I Serve Souplantation Tuna Tarragon Warm Instead of Cold?

While the Souplantation tuna tarragon is traditionally served chilled, we’ve tried it slightly warm, and it’s still tasty. If you prefer it warm, skip the chilling step, but serve immediately after mixing to avoid the pasta absorbing too much dressing. Chilled remains our favorite for that classic taste.

This Souplantation tuna tarragon recipe is a delightful way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. With its creamy dressing, tangy pickles, and aromatic tarragon, it’s a versatile dish for any occasion.

Try this tuna tarragon Souplantation salad today and share it with friends and family! Leave a comment below to share your experience or tag us on social media with your tuna tarragon Souplantation recipe creations.

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