Description
This Creamy and Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick and nutritious dish that combines whole wheat penne with fresh vegetables, flaked tuna, and a creamy avocado yogurt dressing. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole Wheat Penne
- 2-3 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 1 cup Frozen Green Peas, thawed
- 6.7 ounces Tuna in Olive Oil, drained and flaked
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 ripe Avocado
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
- ½ Lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Dill
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1-2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, plain Greek yogurt, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic cloves, chili flakes, kosher salt, and pepper. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled penne pasta, chopped celery stalks, thawed green peas, and flaked tuna. Toss these ingredients gently to mix them evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared avocado yogurt dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop more deeply. Serve cold or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas when in season.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the chili flakes to taste.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use low-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories further.
