Fast and Refreshing Tuna Pasta Salad with Cottage Cheese Protein Dressing
Make this mayo-free, high protein pasta salad in 15 minutes for a cool, creamy, and budget-friendly lunch that keeps well in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or shells)
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the cottage cheese sauce: Combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Pour the cottage cheese dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a thicker dressing, use less Greek yogurt or drain some liquid from the cottage cheese before blending.
- This healthy tuna salad stays fresh for up to four days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute canned salmon for tuna if desired for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 45