Tuna Pasta Salad
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Looking for a quick, healthy meal that’s big on flavor and protein? This Tuna Pasta Salad with protein penne is just what you need. Packed with lean tuna, crisp veggies, and high-protein pasta, it’s a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad
- High-Protein Dish: Combines protein-rich penne with lean albacore tuna for a satisfying and muscle-friendly meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile Flavors: Customizable with your favorite veggies and seasonings to suit any palate.
- Healthy and Filling: Packed with healthy ingredients and fiber to keep you full and energized.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout the week.
Recipe Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensures the penne maintains its texture when mixed with other ingredients.
- Cool Pasta Properly: Rinse cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Use Quality Tuna: Opt for solid white albacore tuna for the best flavor and texture.
- Balance the Dressing: Adjust mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings to achieve your desired creaminess and tang.
- Chill Before Serving: Allows flavors to meld together for a more cohesive taste.
Pasta Salad Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up.
- Creamy Avocado: Replace some mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, heart-healthy alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to elevate the flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute tuna with chickpeas and use plant-based mayo for a vegan-friendly version.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This high-protein tuna pasta salad is a quick, healthy meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Made with protein-rich penne, albacore tuna, crisp bell peppers, and a creamy mayo dressing, it's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
- 1 box protein penne pasta (8 oz)
- 1 can albacore tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook protein penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Mix Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, and diced peppers.
- Add Dressing: Stir in the mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Chill: For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. (optional)
- Serve: Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Fiber: 2 g
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- Turkey Pasta Salad: A protein-packed dish combining lean turkey, protein-rich pasta, and fresh bell peppers, mixed with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: A flavorful blend of juicy chicken, tender pasta, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing for a satisfying meal.
- Baked Ziti: A classic comfort food featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, baked to perfection.
- Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad: A light and refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette.
- Taco Mac and Cheese: A fun and flavorful fusion of cheesy mac and bold taco flavors, combining seasoned meat with creamy pasta for a crave-worthy dish.