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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad with Cottage Cheese Twist for Flavor

This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing twist on a classic dish, featuring creamy cottage cheese and pantry staples for a high-protein meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Dry Protein Pasta Use Barilla Protein+ for extra protein
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) Albacore Tuna Delivers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids
  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) Cannellini Beans Drained, increases fiber and protein content
  • 4 large Hard-Boiled Eggs Adds creaminess and more protein
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Rinse under warm water to thaw quickly
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Cottage Cheese Acts as a creamy, lower-fat base
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Preferably Duke's
  • 2-4 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Adjust to taste for desired tanginess
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard Infuses a zesty flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Dill
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Salt Add to taste

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add protein pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 7-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, gently add drained albacore tuna, rinsed frozen peas, and drained cannellini beans. Chop hard-boiled eggs and add them along with thinly sliced scallions. Mix well.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold in cooled pasta until well mixed, being careful not to break apart ingredients.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add more red wine vinegar. Let sit for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Stir before serving and enjoy the flavors of your Easy Tuna Pasta Salad!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 27gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor. Customize by replacing tuna with shredded chicken or chickpeas to accommodate different dietary preferences.

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