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Tuna Pasta Salad

A delightful dish combining creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with albacore tuna and tender pasta, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 2 cups ditalini pasta A small, tubular pasta that captures the creamy dressing beautifully.
  • 1 cup frozen peas Sweet and bright, frozen peas add a pop of color and nutritional goodness.
  • 1/2 cup celery (diced) Crisp and refreshing, celery provides a nice crunch to contrast with the creaminess.
Protein
  • 2 5 oz cans of albacore tuna (drained well) Rich in protein, the tuna brings a satisfying heartiness to the salad.
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Creamy and tangy, it acts as the base for a lighter dressing.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds richness and a smooth texture that binds the salad beautifully.
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Fresh and zesty, lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a hint of acidity.
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest Intensifies the citrus flavor for a vibrant finish.
  • 1/2 tsp granulated garlic Adds a savory kick and depth to the dressing.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Enhances the overall flavors of the salad.
  • 1/2 tsp pepper Offers a subtle warmth that complements all the ingredients.
Garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional) Aromatic and slightly sweet, dill lends an herby freshness to the dish.
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese Salty and nutty, Parmesan adds depth of flavor and a touch of creaminess.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by boiling 2 cups of dry ditalini pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Once the pasta is fully cooked, add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot and allow them to cook together for about 30 seconds.
  3. Remove from heat and drain the pasta and pea mixture in a colander. Rinse under cool water until fully cooled to stop the cooking process.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to prepare the creamy lemon dressing.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled and drained pasta and peas with the drained albacore tuna, diced celery, and parmesan cheese. Gently toss together.
  2. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is well coated.
Serving
  1. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and optional fresh dill. Store the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. Enjoy this delightful dish chilled.

Notes

Tips: Consider incorporating chopped green onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. Leftover salad can be transformed into a filling wrap using lettuce leaves or whole-wheat tortillas.