GREEN GODDESS TUNA PASTA SALAD

Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that combines fresh herbs, flavorful tuna, and pasta. This salad is great for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. It’s simple to make, versatile, and full of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. The combination of fresh ingredients and savory tuna makes for a well-balanced meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with avocado and tomatoes on top

The Green Goddess dressing is full of herbs and has a creamy consistency, enhancing the flavor of the salad while providing a refreshing taste in every bite. Made with avocado, parsley, dill, basil, and a touch of lemon juice, the dressing adds a vibrant, zesty note to the salad. The creamy avocado and sour cream blend perfectly, creating a smooth texture that clings to the pasta and vegetables, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Looking for a quick, healthy meal or a dish that can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed later? The Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. 

Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal, a potluck, or simply looking to have a nutritious dish ready to go in the fridge, this salad is perfect to meet your needs. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and again.

close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with tomatoes

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Bursting with Fresh Flavors: This recipe mixes fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil with creamy avocado and tangy lemon juice. The addition of cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dill pickles adds layers of vibrant flavors, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from the tuna, healthy fats from the avocado and olive oil, and a variety of vegetables, this salad is a wholesome and balanced meal. It provides essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any time of day.

Quick and Easy to Prepare: This salad is easy to make and perfect for busy days. You can have a delicious and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes by following simple steps for cooking the pasta, preparing the tuna, blending the dressing, and tossing everything together. It’s also a great option to prepare in advance since it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend in the fridge.

tuna pasta salad with green goddess dressing on top

Ingredient Notes: 

Salad Ingredients:

  1. Fusilli Pasta or Any Pasta of Your Choice: Fusilli pasta works well for this salad because its spiral shape holds the dressing, making each bite flavorful. You can also use other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
  2. Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the shallot or onion and garlic, adding a rich flavor to the base of the salad.
  3. Shallot or Onion: Shallots or onions add a mild, sweet, and slightly pungent flavor, enhancing the taste of the salad.
  4. Chili: A green chili adds a bit of heat and a fresh, spicy kick, balancing the creaminess of the dressing and the richness of the tuna.
  5. Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
  6. Canned Tuna: Canned tuna provides a rich source of protein, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.
  7. Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat, enhancing the taste of the other ingredients.
  8. Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tuna and the creaminess of the dressing.
  9. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a tangy flavor that adds depth to the salad.
  10. Spanish Onion: Spanish onions provide a sweet and mild flavor and add a nice crunch.
  11. Dill Pickle: Dill pickles add a tangy, slightly sour flavor and a crunchy texture, enhancing the overall taste and providing a contrast to the creamy dressing.
  12. Corn Kernels: Corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
  13. Parsley, Dill, and Basil: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and basil add vibrant flavors and aromas, making the salad fresh and fragrant.
tuna pasta salad with green goddess dressing on top

Dressing Ingredients:

  1. Avocado: provides a creamy texture, making the dressing smooth and rich without needing too much dairy.
  2. Parsley, Dill, and Basil: add a bright flavor to the dressing, complementing the other salad ingredients.
  3. Lemon: adds acidity, balancing the richness of the avocado and sour cream, and bringing a fresh, zesty flavor to the dressing.
  4. Sour Cream: adds a tangy, creamy texture to the dressing, making it smooth.
  5. Chili Flakes: give a touch of heat to the dressing, providing a spicy kick that balances the creamy elements.
  6. Salt and Pepper: help with enhancing all the flavors in the dressing and ensuring it complements the salad perfectly.
close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with tomatoes

Recipe Tips: 

  1. Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that can hold onto the dressing and ingredients well. Short, ridged pasta like fusilli, rotini, or penne are ideal as they provide more surface area for the dressing to cling to.
  2. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Fresh herbs are crucial for the Green Goddess dressing. If possible, use fresh over dried, it makes a huge difference. 
  3. Customizing the Dressing: The Green Goddess dressing can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice. For a creamier texture, increase the amount sour cream. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro.
  4. Quality Tuna Matters: Choose high-quality tuna for the best taste and texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use oil-packed tuna but be sure to drain it well.
  5. Add a Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch in your salad, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. Sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or even pumpkin seeds can add a delightful texture contrast.
  6. Make It Ahead: This salad is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few hours before serving and let it chill in the refrigerator. The flavors will have more time to develop, making the salad even more delicious.
  7. Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but the salad will still taste great. If you plan to keep it longer, consider adding the avocado justbefore serving.
  8. Serving Suggestions: Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad can be served as a main course or a side dish. Pair it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.
  9. Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream with dairy-free alternatives. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. This salad can easily be adjusted to fit many different dietary needs.
  10. Adding More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the salad to boost its nutritional value. Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots can be great additions. You can also add leafy greens like kale or arugula for extra texture and flavor.
close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with tomatoes and avocado

MAKE AHEAD TIP

Prepare the components of the Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad ahead of time for a convenient meal option. First, cook the pasta and prepare the tuna mixture. Then, blend the dressing separately. Store each part in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine the pasta, tuna, chopped vegetables, and dressing. This method will keep the salad fresh and the ingredients flavorful. To prevent browning of the avocado in the dressing, add a bit of lemon juice and stir it well before mixing it into the salad. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal effort on busy days.

close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with tomatoes

Storage & Reheating: 

  1. Use Airtight Containers: Store the salad in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are my favorite as they seem to keep the salad fresher for longer.
  2. Refrigerate Quickly: Once the salad is prepared, refrigerate it within two hours. The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  3. Keep the Dressing Separate: If you’re planning to store the salad for more than a day or two, consider keeping the dressing separate. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy. Store the dressing in a small, airtight container and add it just before serving.
  4. Prevent Avocado Browning: If you’re including avocado in your salad, add it just before serving to prevent it from browning. If you’ve already mixed it in, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the avocado to slow down the browning process.
overhead view of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with tomatoes

Reheating Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad

Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can reheat it. Here are some tips for reheating:

Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving can cause the pasta to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their crispness. It’s best to avoid reheating the salad in the microwave.

Stovetop Method: For gentle reheating, use the stovetop:

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  • Add the salad to the skillet and stir gently until it’s warmed through.
  • Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the salad to become soggy.

Oven Method: If you prefer using the oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  • Spread the salad evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  • Cover with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  • Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
  • Stir halfway through the heating process for even warming.

Serve Fresh: For the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to serve the salad fresh from the refrigerator without reheating. If the salad has been stored with the dressing already mixed in, the flavors will have melded nicely, making it delicious straight from the fridge.

close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with avocado and tomatoes on top

Additional Tips for Storing and Reheating

  1. Maintain Texture: To keep the salad’s texture intact, store ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes separately if possible and add them just before serving.
  2. Avoid Freezing: Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture of the pasta and vegetables will change, and the dressing may separate.
  3. Refreshing the Salad: If the salad seems a bit dry after being stored, you can refresh it by adding a little extra dressing or a splash of olive oil and lemon juice.
  4. Portable Lunch: If you’re packing the salad for lunch, use a lunchbox with compartments to keep the dressing and salad separate until you’re ready to eat. 
  5. Mix Before Serving: If you’ve stored the salad and dressing separately, mix them together just before serving.
close up of Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad with avocado and tomatoes on top

Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad

Green Goddess Tuna Pasta Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that combines fresh herbs, flavorful tuna, and pasta. This salad is great for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. It's simple to make, versatile, and full of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. The combination of fresh ingredients and savory tuna makes for a well-balanced meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
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Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 100 g fusilli pasta or any pasta of your choice
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 shallot or onion sliced
  • 1 green chilli
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 185 g canned tuna
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 4-5 cherry tomatoes
  • 3-4 sun-dried tomato pieces chopped
  • 1/2 spanish onion diced
  • 1 dill pickle diced
  • 1/3 cup corn kernels
  • handful of parsley, dill & basil

Dressing

  • avocado
  • handful of parsley, dill & basil
  • lemon juice from cheek of lemon
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • pinch chili flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to packet instructions.

Tuna

  • To a pan, add olive oil, shallot, green chili and cook 1-2 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute.
  • Add tuna, cook 1-2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper, set aside.

Dressing

  • To a small blender/food processor, add avocado, parsley, dill, basil, lemon juice, sour cream, chilli flakes, salt & pepper.
  • Blend to smooth paste, set aside.

Assembly

  • Add pasta, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomato, onion, dill pickle, corn, prepared tuna, parsley, dill & basil, the dressing, splash of olive oil, salt & pepper to taste.
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