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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

A quick and easy tuna pasta salad loaded with protein-packed albacore tuna, creamy cottage cheese dressing, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic side, this flavorful salad combines healthy ingredients with a tangy homemade sauce featuring Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dry protein pasta
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water, with juice
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen peas, rinsed under hot water and drained

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s preferred)
  • 2–4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: Add the cottage cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to a small food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Transfer the sauce into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the protein pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
  3. Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with the sauce, add both cans of tuna including the juice. Break up any large chunks of tuna with a fork to distribute evenly.
  4. Add the Vegetables and Eggs: Add the rinsed and drained peas, white kidney beans, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and thinly sliced scallions to the bowl. Mix all ingredients well to combine.
  5. Combine Pasta with Salad: Gently fold the drained pasta into the bowl with the tuna mixture until everything is well combined.
  6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional red wine vinegar (up to 4 tablespoons) and salt as desired to enhance the flavor. Mix again before serving.

Notes

  • Protein pasta adds extra nutritional value and texture to this salad.
  • Using canned tuna with the juice adds extra flavor and moisture to the salad.
  • Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water prevents it from becoming sticky and stops overcooking.
  • You can adjust the amount of red wine vinegar in the dressing to balance the tanginess to your preference.
  • Make sure to drain the beans and peas well to avoid a watery salad.
  • This salad can be served immediately or chilled for a few hours for flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, easy pasta salad, protein pasta salad, healthy tuna salad, quick lunch recipe, cottage cheese dressing

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/easy-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe/