Zesty Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe: Summer’s Refreshing Delight

Whipping up a delightful creamy tuna pasta salad can turn an ordinary meal into a spectacular culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables and tender pasta create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Chilled and refreshing, this dish brings comfort without weighing you down.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, making each bite a celebration of simple, wholesome goodness.

Protein-packed tuna adds a robust layer of nutrition to the mix.

Summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners will never be the same once you try this crowd-pleasing recipe.

What Makes Tuna Pasta Salad So Tasty

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from tuna and Greek yogurt, this pasta salad delivers a healthy punch with whole wheat penne, green peas, and creamy avocado dressing.
• Craft Quick Convenience: Minimal cooking required, simple blending technique, and no-fuss assembly make this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking a speedy, satisfying meal.
• Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily swap ingredients, adjust spice levels with chili flakes, and experiment with different herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Celebrate Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep a breeze for lunch, picnics, or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Salad

• Whole Wheat Penne: A nutritious whole grain pasta that provides fiber and a hearty texture to the salad.

• Tuna: A lean protein source that adds rich flavor and makes the salad more filling and satisfying.

• Avocado: Creates a smooth and creamy base with healthy fats and a rich texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and additional creaminess to the dressing while boosting protein content.

• Dill: A fresh herb that brings a light, aromatic flavor to the pasta salad.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the creamy dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Garlic: Offers a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Celery: Adds a crisp texture and fresh vegetable element to the salad.
• Green Peas: Introduces a sweet and tender vegetable component.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly spicy crunch and color contrast.

• Chili Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Add heat, depth, and balanced seasoning to the pasta salad.

Instructions to Prepare Tuna Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your whole wheat penne and cook it according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water.

Transfer the cooled pasta to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Ripe avocado
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Chili flakes

Blend everything until silky smooth.

Take a quick taste and season with salt and pepper to make it sing.

Step 3: Create the Ultimate Salad Mix

Drizzle the luscious dressing over the cooled pasta.

• Chopped celery
• Green peas
• Flaky tuna
• Sliced red onion

Gently fold all the ingredients together, ensuring every pasta piece gets a loving coat of that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Scoop the salad into serving bowls.

Sprinkle some extra fresh dill on top for a pop of color and flavor. You can dig in right away or keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days – perfect for a quick lunch or side dish!

Tips for Best Tuna Pasta Salad

• Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
• Swap tuna with grilled chicken or chickpeas for alternative protein sources that suit different dietary preferences.
• Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp vegetable textures when preparing in advance.
• Let the salad sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop richer, more complex taste profiles.
• Adjust avocado quantity to control dressing thickness – less avocado creates a lighter sauce, while more provides extra richness and smoothness.

Alternative Versions of Tuna Pasta Salad

• Mediterranean Tuna Twist: Replace Greek yogurt with tzatziki, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Mix in black beans, corn, chopped jalapeños, and swap dill for cilantro to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Protein Power Bowl: Substitute tuna with grilled chicken or chickpeas, and add quinoa alongside penne for an extra protein boost.
• Asian-Inspired Remix: Swap Dijon mustard for rice vinegar, add edamame, sesame seeds, and drizzle with soy sauce for an east-meets-west taste sensation.

Pairings with Tuna Pasta Salad

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy avocado dressing and cuts through the tuna's richness.
• Serve Crunchy Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber and lemon vinaigrette to add texture and brighten the pasta's creamy profile.
• Match Mediterranean Appetizer: Prepare bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil to echo the Mediterranean flavors of the tuna pasta salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Choose Sparkling Water Twist: Add a slice of lemon or cucumber to sparkling water for a hydrating, palate-cleansing beverage that balances the dish's creamy and savory notes.

Storing Tuna Pasta Salad Correctly

Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping the pasta salad chilled at or below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Gently warm in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent the pasta from becoming dry or rubbery.

Enjoy directly from the refrigerator, allowing the salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften the dressing and enhance flavor before eating.

If possible, store dressing separately from other ingredients to prevent soggy pasta and maintain optimal texture when ready to consume.

FAQs

• Is whole wheat penne the only pasta I can use?

No, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or shells that hold the creamy dressing well.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace tuna with canned chickpeas or cooked white beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

• How can I boost the protein content?

Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or extra canned tuna to increase the protein in this pasta salad.

• Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners.

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tuna pasta salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your summer table with zesty flavors and crisp vegetables. Cool pasta mingles with flaky tuna, creating a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 6.7 ounces (190 grams) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole wheat penne (or gluten-free penne)
• 2–3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 very ripe avocado
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Boil whole wheat penne in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process, then transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a velvety dressing by combining ripe avocado, tangy Greek yogurt, fragrant dill, zesty lemon juice, sharp Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a hint of chili flakes in a blender. Pulse until achieving a silky smooth consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Drizzle the luscious avocado dressing over cooled pasta, ensuring complete coverage. Incorporate crisp celery, sweet green peas, flaked tuna, and piquant red onion slices. Gently fold ingredients to distribute dressing evenly without breaking pasta or seafood.
4. Artfully portion the salad into serving bowls. Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional fresh dill fronds on top. Enjoy immediately for optimal texture, or refrigerate for up to 48 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Notes

• Boost creamy texture by using ripe, soft avocados that blend seamlessly into silky dressing.
• Replace tuna with chickpeas or shredded rotisserie chicken for flexible protein options perfect for vegetarians or meat lovers.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting whole wheat penne briefly before cooking to develop deeper nutty undertones.
• Extend refrigeration life by adding dressing just before serving, preventing pasta from becoming soggy and maintaining crisp vegetable crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg