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Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

A refreshing and nutritious Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta, solid white tuna, and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a creamy dill pickle dressing, this salad is perfect as a main dish or a side, ideal for quick lunches or potlucks.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 main dish servings or 10 side servings

Ingredients

Pasta & Tuna

  • 16 ounces uncooked short pasta (e.g., Ronzoni ziti rigati No. 1)
  • 5 (4-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water, well-drained

Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
  • 3/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped roasted red pepper, patted dry
  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles, patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons lightly packed fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)

Dressing

  • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 scant teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prep vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the celery, red onion, roasted red pepper, and dill pickles. Make sure to pat the roasted red peppers and pickles dry before chopping to avoid excess moisture.
  3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill pickle juice, celery salt, sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the well-drained tuna, chopped celery, onion, roasted red pepper, pickles, and fresh dill. Mix gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss carefully to combine everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled either as a main dish for 6 servings or as a side dish for 10 servings.

Notes

  • Use short pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, or penne for best results.
  • Patting the pickles and roasted red peppers dry prevents the salad from becoming watery.
  • This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste after mixing in the dressing to suit your preference.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/healthy-tuna-pasta-salad-recipe/