Tuna Pasta Salad is a simple, high-protein meal combining tuna, fresh vegetables, and pasta with a subtle boost of unflavored protein powder for extra nutrition.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the salad:
- 2 cups whole wheat or chickpea pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (170 g) tuna in water, drained
- 1 scoop Pure Vegan
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp honey for slight sweetness
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey (if using).
- Incorporate the protein powder: Add the unflavored protein powder directly into the dressing and whisk thoroughly to avoid clumps. Add 1–2 teaspoons of water if needed for a smoother consistency.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tuna (flaked with a fork), tomatoes, onion, olives, cucumber, and parsley.
- Mix: Pour the protein-enriched dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
This Tuna Pasta Salad delivers balanced macros with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, ideal for muscle recovery, sustained energy, and satiety. The added protein powder blends seamlessly into the dressing, boosting protein content without affecting flavor, making this a smart upgrade to a classic dish.
