Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with White Beans
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with White Beans is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a light meal. Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, it serves as a delightful side or main dish.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (60ml)
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (60g)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120g)
- ¼ cup olive oil (60ml)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz pasta cooked, rinsed, and drained (Brami lupini bean pasta recommended)
- ¼ cup red onion finely minced (40g)
- 1 can tuna (7 oz) (198g) drained
- 1 can cannellini beans (15.5 oz) (439g) drained and rinsed
- ½ cup fresh basil chiffonade (15g)
Instructions
- Start by whisking together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt in a bowl. The mixture should become smooth and creamy, giving off a refreshing aroma. Ensure thorough mixing to avoid clumps.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk. This helps in achieving a silky dressing. Pour carefully to prevent an oily mess.
- Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, and taste the mixture. The seasoning should enhance the flavors; adjust salt as needed, especially for sodium levels.
- Combine the cooked pasta into the creamy dressing, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Aim for a shiny appearance as the dressing clings to the noodles.
- Gently fold in the minced red onion, tuna, and white beans, ensuring the textures and colors blend beautifully. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the tuna and beans.
- Stir in the chiffonade of fresh basil last for a burst of flavor and color. Add carefully to maintain the freshness of the basil.
- Cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the salad to cool. Avoid letting it sit too long to prevent flat flavors.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a main dish, use a second can of tuna.
Choose pasta shapes like rotini for better dressing adherence.
Using fresh basil instead of dried enhances flavor.
Make ahead for improved flavor after sitting.
For creaminess, consider using oil-packed tuna.