Tuna pasta salad
Savour the fresh flavours of this tuna pasta salad recipe. The tuna and pasta are tossed in a delightfully creamy cottage cheese dressing infused with plenty of fragrant dill. Served on a bed of crisp spinach and topped with sweet peas and edamame, it is a vibrant meal ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
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250 g
Wholewheat pasta
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1 can
Tuna in water (140 g drained weight)
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120 g
Baby spinach
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300 g
Peas, thawed
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300 g
Edamame beans, thawed
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Dressing
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10 g
Brown sauce
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 bunch
Dill, finely chopped (about 15 g)
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Garnish
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Dill, roughly chopped
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Even after draining, tuna still holds some excess water. Tip it into a sieve, press it gently with the back of a spoon, and let it drain for a minute or two. This helps the dressing stay creamy and cling to the tuna and pasta, instead of becoming watery.
Short pasta shapes work best here because they hold on to the dressing more evenly. Fusilli, penne, or farfalle have twists and ridges where the sauce can settle, while long pasta tends to clump together, making it harder for the dressing to reach all parts of the pasta.
Drain the pasta in a colander, then run cold water over it until it feels cool to the touch. This stops the pasta from sticking and prevents it from cooking any further. If you add the dressing while the pasta is hot, it will thin out, so cooling the pasta first keeps the texture right.
FAQ: Questions about tuna pasta salad
Tuna pasta salad does not take much effort, but in case you have questions, we have answered the most common ones below.
Can I serve tuna pasta salad warm?
Yes, you can serve tuna pasta salad warm, but it works best when it is slightly cooled. Very hot pasta loosens the cottage cheese dressing and makes it thinner. Let the pasta cool for a few minutes after cooking, then combine everything and serve while it is still a bit warm.
Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make tuna pasta salad in advance, which makes it ideal for busy days. You can store it fully mixed in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving, give it a good stir, as the dressing may settle slightly.
How should I store tuna pasta salad?
Store tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 2 days. If you want the vegetables to stay extra crisp, keep the spinach, peas, and edamame beans separate and fold them in just before serving.
Can I freeze tuna pasta salad?
No, you cannot freeze tuna pasta salad, as the texture does not hold up well. The dressing separates after freezing, and the pasta becomes mushy once thawed. It is much better stored in the fridge and eaten within 2 days.
What can I serve with my tuna pasta salad?
Serve tuna pasta salad with crusty bread or wholegrain rolls for scooping up the dressing. A bowl of sliced tomatoes, cucumber, or raw vegetable sticks on the side also works well.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
459 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 7 g |
| Protein | 33 % | 37.3 g |
| Fat | 18.7 % | 9.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48.3 % | 54.5 g |
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Make a vibrant tuna pasta salad
This salad is an excellent example of how simple, everyday ingredients can be transformed with a touch of freshness. By combining salty tuna and tender pasta with crisp vegetables and aromatic dill, the salad becomes absolutely scrumptious. The various shades of green look striking against the light brown pasta, making you want to dive right in.
If you are in the mood for more tuna dishes, there is plenty to explore. Try our seared tuna with glass noodle salad and avocado sauce, the colourful tuna quinoa salad, or tuna pasta with courgettes and spring onions.
With fresh spinach, sweet peas, and buttery edamame
Fresh spinach brings a light, leafy element to the salad and keeps it feeling fresh. On top, a mix of peas and edamame introduces a wonderful variety of textures. While the peas offer a sweet pop of freshness, the edamame beans provide a firmer, more satisfying bite with a slightly buttery texture.
Coated in a creamy cottage cheese dressing
Every great salad needs an exceptional dressing, and this one uses a creamy dressing made from blended cottage cheese. It has a mild, fresh flavour that works well with the tuna and vegetables. A small amount of HP Sauce adds a tangy, savoury, and mildly sweet taste, while fresh dill gives the dressing a light, herby note that keeps everything tasting fresh.
Easy, quick, and practical option for meal prep
If planning ahead helps your week run more smoothly, this tuna pasta salad fits straight into that routine. It is easy to portion, keeps well in the fridge, and works just as nicely for lunch at your desk as it does for dinner the following evening. You can prep the vegetables and dressing while the pasta cooks, so everything is ready in just about 20 minutes.
Ideas for varying the recipe
There are plenty of ways to vary this tuna pasta salad, starting with eggs. When prepping ahead, hard-boiled eggs are the better choice. Chop them roughly and simply fold them through the pasta. If you are eating right away, go for a soft-boiled egg. The runny yolk flows over the other ingredients as you eat, creating a smooth, velvety finish.
You can always add more vegetables to the mix. Rocket has a peppery bite, while finely chopped red onion brings a sharper, more pungent note. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber are classic salad additions and contribute freshness with a mild sweetness.
If you are aiming for a Mediterranean-inspired version, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts are a good place to start. Salty capers fit naturally with tuna, and a little lemon zest adds a citrusy and fragrant freshness. A scattering of toasted pine nuts on top gives the salad extra crunch.
If you feel like branching out even more, there is plenty of inspiration. Browse our high-protein, high-fibre recipes or high-protein meals for everyday ideas you can enjoy for lunch and dinner. You can also dig a little deeper with our guides to high-fibre vegetables, foods high in protein and fibre, and sources of protein for vegetarians, for more ways to mix things up.
