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Classic Creamy Protein Tuna Pasta Salad

A bowl filled with creamy protein tuna pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta and chunks of red onion.
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Make this simple, high protein tuna pasta salad for a satisfying lunch or easy meal prep option. It is creamy, packed with flavor, and great for potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and sweet pickle relish. Mix gently.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried dill weed, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This is your creamy dressing base.
  4. Pour the dressing mixture over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the tuna too much.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the protein tuna pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving cold.

Notes

  • For an extra protein boost, you can add one hard-boiled egg, chopped, to the salad mixture.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • This cold tuna salad with pasta holds up well for meal prep and tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/protein-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe/