Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad

A Flavor Combo That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

Ever thought of combining the tangy crunch of pickles with the hearty goodness of tuna and pasta? If not, your taste buds are in for a treat! This Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad is creamy, zesty, and downright delicious. Plus, it comes together faster than you can say, "What to make for lunch today?"

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a total win for several reasons. First off, cleanup is a breeze! You basically make it in one bowl (hello, minimal dishwashing!). Second, it’s super affordable, using pantry staples and handy ingredients you likely already have. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love family-friendly meals that disappear faster than you can blink?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Here’s what you’ll need:

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅔ cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dill
• 1.5 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 (3 oz) cans skipjack tuna (dill pickle or plain)
• 8 oz protein pasta (small pasta like shells or macaroni)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup scallions/green onions (thinly sliced)
• ½ cucumber, diced
• Salt to taste

Directions

Ready to whip up this culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive in with these simple steps:

1. Cook the 8 oz protein pasta according to package directions. Strain and cool with cold water.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sauce ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, dill, ranch seasoning, avocado oil, pickle juice, and salt until combined.
3. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, tuna, minced garlic, scallions, and cucumber. Stir together well.
4. Drizzle in the sauce and taste, adjusting salt as necessary (because nobody likes a bland salad!).
5. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Make Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad (Overview)

Picture this: while your pasta is happily boiling away, you can whip up a creamy dressing in a jiffy. Once your pasta cools off, throw in the tuna, garlic, scallions, and cucumber for a colorful mix. Drizzle that creamy sauce over your creation, and you’re good to go! Pro tip: Let it chill — as if you need an excuse to wait a little longer for flavorful magic to happen. 😂

How to Serve Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad

This salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate! The vivid colors of the green cucumber, the bright scallions, and the hearty tuna make every bite delightful. You can serve it in a bowl or on a bed of fresh greens for a crunchy contrast. Oh, and don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of dill to keep things fancy!

How to Store Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store your Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to reinvigorate those flavors. Freezing is not recommended unless you enjoy a texture surprise.

Tips to Make Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad

Here are a few insider tricks to amp up your salad game:

1. Timing is key: Make sure your pasta is cooled completely so you don’t steam the other ingredients.
2. Feel free to swap mayo for Greek yogurt entirely if you’re feeling super health-conscious!
3. Want a little kick? Toss in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
4. If you have leftover veggies, feel free to throw them into the mix. The more, the merrier!
5. Taste as you go! This recipe is all about personal preference, so don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning.

Variation

Shift gears with this recipe by adding or swapping ingredients! You can easily make it vegan by using a plant-based mayo and tuna alternative. For flavor twists, consider tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes or even capers for an added punch. BBQ flavors? Try a dash of liquid smoke!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of protein pasta?
Absolutely! Regular pasta works just fine, but hey, protein pasta adds a bit more oomph.

2. How long does this salad last?
Stored properly, your salad will keep in the fridge for about 3–4 days.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually best when it sits for a bit, allowing those flavors to meld together.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Dill Pickle Tuna Pasta Salad

This creamy, zesty salad combines pickles, tuna, and protein pasta for a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ⅔ cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dill
• 1.5 tablespoons ranch seasoning
• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients

• 5 cans skipjack tuna (3 oz each, dill pickle or plain)
• 8 oz protein pasta (small pasta like shells or macaroni)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup scallions/green onions (thinly sliced)
• ½ cucumber, diced
• Salt to taste

Method

 

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook the 8 oz protein pasta according to package directions. Strain and cool with cold water.

Making the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, mix the sauce ingredients: Greek yogurt, mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, dill, ranch seasoning, avocado oil, pickle juice, and salt until combined.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, tuna, minced garlic, scallions, and cucumber. Stir together well.
2. Drizzle in the sauce and taste, adjusting salt as necessary.
3. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Timing is key: Make sure your pasta is cooled completely so you don't steam the other ingredients. Feel free to swap mayo for Greek yogurt entirely if you're feeling super health-conscious! Want a little kick? Toss in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist. If you have leftover veggies, feel free to throw them into the mix. The more, the merrier! Taste as you go!