why make this recipe
Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines the goodness of protein-packed tuna with the heartiness of pasta and healthy beans. This recipe is not only simple but also flexible; you can easily adjust the ingredients to match your taste. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal that is both filling and nutritious!
how to make Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients :
- 8 ounces dry protein pasta
- 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can Cannellini beans, drained
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (we use Duke’s)
- 2-4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Directions :
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For The Sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until combined.
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For The Pasta: Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool.
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For The Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, Cannellini beans, chopped hard-boiled eggs, scallions, and frozen peas. Add the sauce and mix well until everything is coated evenly.
how to serve Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
Serve your Easy Tuna Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for barbecues, cookouts, or picnics. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra black pepper for added flavor. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner!
how to store Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. If the salad starts to dry out, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or dressing before serving.
tips to make Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
- To make it even healthier, you can add chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or any other vegetables you love.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, increase the amount of cottage cheese or mayonnaise.
- For more flavor, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
variation
You can swap the albacore tuna for canned chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Additionally, feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, whether it’s whole wheat or gluten-free.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it and flake it before adding it to the salad.
2. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Easy Tuna Pasta Salad lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours can help the flavors meld together nicely.
Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and delicious dish combining protein-packed tuna, hearty pasta, and healthy beans, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry protein pasta
- 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can Cannellini beans, drained
- 4 large hard-boiled eggs
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2–4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until combined.
- Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, Cannellini beans, chopped hard-boiled eggs, scallions, and frozen peas. Add the sauce and mix well until everything is coated evenly.
Notes
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Great for barbecues, cookouts, or picnics. Add fresh herbs for extra flavor. Lasts in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg