Description
Creamy and Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful, mayo-free dish that combines the richness of ripe avocado and Greek yogurt to create a creamy dressing without the extra calories. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a nutritious side for dinner. Packed with protein-rich tuna, whole wheat pasta, and vibrant veggies like peas and celery, it’s not just satisfying but also a healthier alternative to traditional pasta salads. With its bright flavors from garlic, dill, and lemon, this recipe is bound to become a favorite for both meal prep and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole Wheat Penne (or gluten-free)
- 2–3 Celery Stalks (chopped)
- 1 Cup Frozen Green Peas (thawed)
- ½ Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 6.7 ounces Tuna in Olive Oil (drained and flaked)
- 1 Avocado (very ripe)
- 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoon Chopped Fresh Dill
- ½ Lemon (juiced)
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1–2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Cook the Whole Wheat Penne according to package directions. Drain and set aside in a large bowl to cool.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic cloves, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta. Add in chopped celery, peas, red onion, and tuna. Gently mix until everything is well coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with additional dill if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 30mg