Why Make This Recipe
Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty twist on traditional pasta salads. The combination of tuna, pickles, and creamy dressing makes it a delightful meal or side dish. It’s perfect for lunch, potlucks, or picnics. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a satisfying dish that keeps you full.
How to Make Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅔ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1.5 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 (3 oz) cans skipjack tuna (best to use dill pickle tuna from Wild Planet or 3 (5 oz) plain cans of tuna)
- 8 oz protein pasta (1 box) (preferably a small pasta variety like shells or macaroni)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ cup scallions/green onions (about 3 stalks thinly sliced)
- ½ cucumber diced (English or standard)
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Cook the 8 oz protein pasta (1 box) according to the package directions. Strain it, then quickly cool it by running cold water over it.
- In a bowl or mason jar, mix together the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- In a large bowl (the bigger, the better), add the pasta, tuna, minced garlic, scallions, and diced cucumber. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the sauce and mix well. Taste and add additional salt if needed.
- Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad
You can serve Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad cold. It’s great on its own or as a side dish with sandwiches or grilled meats. You can also garnish it with extra dill or chopped scallions for a fresh touch.
How to Store Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad
To keep your Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Tips to Make Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad
- For a creamier texture, you can add more Greek yogurt or mayo to the dressing.
- If you love crunch, add in some diced bell peppers or celery.
- Make sure to cool the pasta quickly to avoid mushiness.
Variation
You can swap out the protein pasta for regular pasta if you’re not concerned about protein content. Additionally, feel free to try other flavors of tuna if you want a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular tuna instead of dill pickle tuna?
Yes, you can use regular tuna, but dill pickle tuna adds a nice flavor that enhances the dish.
2. What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Small pasta shapes, like shells or macaroni, work best because they hold the dressing well.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s even better when it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to blend.
Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A fun and tasty twist on traditional pasta salads, packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅔ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1.5 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 (3 oz) cans skipjack tuna
- 8 oz protein pasta (preferably shells or macaroni)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ cup scallions/green onions (about 3 stalks thinly sliced)
- ½ cucumber diced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the protein pasta according to the package directions. Strain it and quickly cool it by running cold water over it.
- In a bowl or mason jar, mix together the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, tuna, minced garlic, scallions, and diced cucumber. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the sauce and mix well. Taste and add additional salt if needed.
- Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add more Greek yogurt or mayo. You can also add diced bell peppers or celery for crunch.
- 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: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg