Make this no mayo tuna pasta salad for an easy meal prep lunch this week! Tender pasta, meaty tuna, crunchy vegetables, and fresh veggies make this a well-rounded lunch to keep you full and fueled! A high-protein lunch recipe with 40 grams of protein per serving.
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You'll Love This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
- This cold tuna pasta salad is a great cold lunch recipe for work or school!
- An easy dish to make for meal prep.
- A high-protein recipe compared to classic tuna pasta salad! 40 grams of protein per serving.
- Great for the summer months! An easy and light summer meal.
- Bring it as a side dish to summer parties and barbecues!
- Make it as a main meal for an easy summer lunch or quick dinner.
- This is the perfect recipe for using up leftover pasta!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
Salad Ingredients
- Protein Pasta. I selected Brami pasta because of its high protein content. You can use any whole wheat pasta or protein pasta. Any sturdy small pasta or short pasta shape like elbow macaroni, bowties, radiatore, or springs work well.
- Canned Tuna. My preference is Wild Planet Albacore tuna. It holds up well in this salad.
- Cucumbers and Broccoli. Fresh vegetables like English cucumber and broccoli provide crunch and bulk.
- Tomatoes. I like to use sweet cherry tomatoes that are quartered. They give a delicious fresh flavor and a hint of sweetness (just like in our cherry tomato pasta).
Dressing Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt takes the place of mayonnaise in this creamy dressing. It adds tangy flavor, creaminess, and protein!
- Lemon vinegar. Lemon vinegar adds a fresh burst of lemon flavor. Fresh lemon juice may be substituted.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Provides a base to the vinaigrette dressing along with Greek yogurt. Substitute avocado oil if desired.
- Mustard. I prefer coarse grain dijon mustard in this recipe and in making vinaigrettes. It gives a tasty and slightly tangy flavor.
- Garlic Powder. Garlic powder tends to incorporate well into homemade dressings. You can use minced fresh garlic if you prefer it.
- Fresh Herbs. I like chopped parsley and fresh dill to give this pasta salad great fresh flavor. Fresh basil also tastes great in this salad (just like in our Caprese pasta salad).
- Salt and Black Pepper. Helps to season the dressing and the entire pasta salad.
How to Make This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package al dente directions and then strain in a colander. Immediately rinse with cold water. Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl. In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients and mix well.
- Place all of the salad ingredients into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the dressing on top.
- Add chopped fresh herbs on top.
- Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad
- Al dente pasta. Cook the pasta according to the label's al dente instructions. This will help the pasta to hold its shape during cooking.
- Ingredient variations. Add diced red onion for extra bite and flavor. Red bell peppers are also delicious in this no mayo tuna pasta salad.
- Make a Mediterranean version by adding chopped kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Protein options. Swap tuna for rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or air-fried salmon!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Recipe FAQs
What can you put in tuna salad instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt and dijon mustard are a great replacement for mayonnaise. I swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in my no mayo tuna salad.
Other No-Mayo Recipes to Try!
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No Mayo High-Protein Tuna Pasta Salad
Make this no mayo tuna pasta salad for an easy and healthy lunch! Filled with fresh veggies and herbs, this high protein lunch recipe has 40 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with flavor!
Servings 5 servings
Calories 362kcal
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz. Brami pasta
- 1 cup cucumbers diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 4 cans Wild Planet Tuna
- ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon coarse Dijon Mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package al dente directions and then strain in a colander. Immediately rinse with cold water. Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl.12 oz. Brami pasta
- In a small bowl, add the dressing ingredients and mix well.1 cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoon lemon vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoon coarse Dijon Mustard, salt and pepper
- Place all of the salad ingredients into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the dressing on top.12 oz. Brami pasta, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup broccoli, 4 cans Wild Planet Tuna, 1 cup cucumbers
- Add chopped fresh herbs on top. Stir until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.salt and pepper, ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cook the pasta to the al dente instructions on the package. This will help the pasta to hold up in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 12g
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