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A bowl of creamy tuna pasta salad with penne, avocado chunks, green peas, red onion slices, fresh dill, and a creamy dressing, sprinkled with pepper and mustard seeds.

Fresh Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy tuna pasta salad with avocado-Greek yogurt dressing—fresh, protein-rich, and perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, or picnics.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta

  • 23 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

  • 6.7 ounces tuna in olive oil (1 jar), drained and flaked

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Creamy Dressing:

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 12 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  • Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool in a large mixing bowl.

  • In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and chili flakes. Blend until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Add celery, peas, and tuna to the cooled pasta. Pour over dressing and gently toss to coat.

  • Garnish with sliced red onion and extra dill if desired.

 

  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. This salad holds up well for 2–3 days in the fridge—ideal for make-ahead lunches. Add cherry tomatoes for extra color.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes+ Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired