Ring the alarm, tuna in macaroni salad is a thing! This easy pasta salad with tuna is a splendid lunch when you want to grab something quick and healthy from the fridge and call it a day. Kinda like my delish Healthy Tuna Salad or Tuna and Chickpea Salad, ya dig?
How to make healthy tuna pasta salad
The ingredient list may look lengthy, but don’t be intimidated! The dressing comes together super quickly.
Key ingredients and tips
Tuna: Just like in my beloved Tuna Noodle Casserole, I like to use sustainably caught albacore tuna in water. I opt for Wild Planet or Safe Catch from Costco. Pasta: I like elbows here, but any small or medium noodles like shells or rotini will work. Whole grain, gluten free or chickpea pasta are other good options! Greek yogurt: Tuna pasta salad with mayo is a thing, but have you ever tried using yogurt? So tangy! You definitely want whole milk, full fat yogurt here for the most similar flavor and texture. If you only have nonfat yogurt, I would do ⅓ cup yogurt and a heaping ⅓ cup mayo, adding more if needed. Mayo: A bit of mayo lends that classic flavor. I like avocado oil mayo! For the record, I tried this with all Greek yogurt and no mayo and the flavor just wasn’t there. I don’t recommend omitting it! Celery and onion: I love these veggies for flavor and texture. If you’re not big on celery, you can use equal amounts bell pepper or cucumber. Peas: A little pop of color, sweetness, and veggie love. Pickle: I love the salty brininess pickles add. You could also try relish, chopped capers or sauerkraut. Dijon and lemon juice: More bright acidity to round out all the flavors.
What makes this healthy?
As a dietitian, I love quick and easy lunches that pack a nutrition punch! This one’s a super satisfying meal in a bowl with the trifecta of protein, healthy fat and carbs. No need to reach for a snack thirty minutes after lunch! Tuna is also an accessible and affordable lean source of protein. Pair that with Greek yogurt and you’ve got quite the filling mid-day meal, am I right? Adding peas, celery and onion means a welcome veggie boost!
Which pasta is best?
Small or medium pasta like macaroni or shells are my fave. You can also rock penne, rotini…whatever shape floats your boat. You can try whole grain or gluten free. Chickpea pasta adds an extra protein punch!
Can I use all Greek yogurt?
Nope! I tried it this way and it didn’t have enough flavor. The combo of mostly whole milk Greek yogurt plus a bit of mayo is key for the right texture and flavor. You can add more mayo and less Greek yogurt, just not the other way around!
How to store
This salad lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. Store it in an air-tight container or in a bowl tightly covered.
More healthy salads
Thai Pasta Salad Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Southwestern Pasta Salad Healthy Broccoli Salad
Click here for the step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!
½ cup full fat plain Greek yogurt ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup chopped dill pickle 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 ½ tsp dried dill, to taste ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp fine sea salt, to taste + ½ tsp black pepper
