This comforting Hot Tuna Pasta Salad is a perfect weeknight dinner that balances creamy richness with fresh acidity. The dish features tender medium pasta shells tossed in a warm dressing made from reduced-calorie mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and tangy Dijon mustard. It is generously loaded with flaked light tuna and cooked broccoli florets and carrots for a hearty, satisfying bite. The subtle sweetness of sugar and fresh basil leaves rounds out the flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend of savory and bright notes. Unlike cold salads, this version is served warm, making it an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings. It’s simple to prepare using pantry staples and offers a nutritious, protein-packed meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Hot Tuna Pasta Salad
Description
This comforting Hot Tuna Pasta Salad is a perfect weeknight dinner that balances creamy richness with fresh acidity. The dish features tender medium pasta shells tossed in a warm dressing made from reduced-calorie mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and tangy Dijon mustard. It is generously loaded with flaked light tuna and cooked broccoli florets and carrots for a hearty, satisfying bite. The subtle sweetness of sugar and fresh basil leaves rounds out the flavor profile, creating a harmonious blend of savory and bright notes. Unlike cold salads, this version is served warm, making it an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings. It&# 226;ÂÂs simple to prepare using pantry staples and offers a nutritious, protein-packed meal that the whole family will enjoy.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the medium pasta shells in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
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While pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli and carrots by steaming or boiling until tender. Drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
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Drain the two cans of tuna and flake the meat into large chunks using a fork.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-calorie mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, chopped basil leaves, and salt until smooth.
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Add the hot cooked pasta shells, flaked tuna, cooked broccoli, and carrots to the bowl with the dressing.
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Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
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Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 302.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.4g36%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
- Cholesterol 4.2mg2%
- Sodium 2589.2mg108%
- Total Carbohydrate 20.2g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
- Sugars 4.6g
- Protein 3.6g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing over time, so you can add a splash of water or lemon juice to refresh it before reheating or serving cold.
Substitutions: You can use regular mayonnaise for a richer flavor, or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative. Any short pasta shape works well, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Variations: Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn for extra crunch and color. For a heartier meal, include cooked chicken or chickpeas.
Tip: Ensure all vegetables are well-drained before adding them to the salad to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
