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For this Minute Protein Packed Tuna Pasta Salad, gather the following items: - 2 cups whole wheat pasta (your choice of shape) - 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - ½ cup diced cucumber - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is rich in protein and fiber. Tuna adds lean protein, while chickpeas bring more plant-based protein and fiber. Whole wheat pasta provides complex carbs, giving you energy. The fresh veggies add vitamins and minerals. Each serving offers a balanced mix of nutrients. It is a great meal for lunch or dinner. You can switch the whole wheat pasta for any pasta you prefer. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or beans. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh instead of tuna. You can also replace red onion with green onion for a milder taste. If you want a zestier kick, try using lime juice instead of lemon juice. First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once boiling, add 2 cups of whole wheat pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down fast. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, and rinsed chickpeas. Then, add diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. Each ingredient adds color and texture. Make sure to mix them well so every bite is full of flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Next, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mixing these together creates a bright and zesty dressing. It will pull all the ingredients together. Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna and veggies. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss everything gently to coat. You want the pasta and veggies to be evenly covered in that tasty dressing. This step is key to a flavorful salad. You can serve the salad right away, but I recommend chilling it for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend better. When ready to serve, scoop the salad into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley or whole cherry tomatoes for a nice touch. Enjoy your colorful, protein-packed dish! To cook whole wheat pasta, start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once bubbling, add the pasta. Check the package for cooking time, usually 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but not hard. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking together. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it for your salad. Meal prepping makes life easier. Cook a big batch of pasta on the weekend. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prep your veggies. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion ahead of time. Rinse and drain the chickpeas too. Keep everything separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps your salad fresh and tasty all week long. Presentation can make a dish shine. Use a clear glass bowl to show off the colors. Spoon the pasta salad in and top it with whole cherry tomatoes for fun. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for a fresh look. If you want, serve it with lemon wedges on the side. This adds a pop of color and lets people add more lemon juice if they like. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty salad! {{image_2}} To boost the protein in your tuna pasta salad, consider adding: - Hard-boiled eggs: Chop and mix them in for a creamy texture. - Greek yogurt: Swap some olive oil for Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and protein. - Edamame: Toss in shelled edamame for a nutty flavor and extra protein. - Quinoa: Mix in cooked quinoa to add texture and protein. These add-ons not only increase protein but also add fun flavors and textures. You can use many pasta shapes for this salad. Here are some great options: - Rotini: Its spirals hold more dressing and flavors. - Fusilli: Similar to rotini, it adds a fun twist. - Penne: These tubes trap ingredients inside. - Orzo: This small rice-shaped pasta gives a different look. Choosing different shapes can make your dish visually appealing and fun to eat. You can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. Here are some swaps: - Tuna: Use chickpeas or tofu for protein. - Greek yogurt: Replace it with vegan yogurt or mashed avocado for creaminess. - Olive oil: Use flaxseed oil or avocado oil for a unique flavor. These swaps keep the taste delicious while meeting dietary needs. Store your tuna pasta salad in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you have leftovers, it’s best to eat them within a few days. The salad can last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the taste and texture may change. Keep an eye on the ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cucumbers. They tend to lose their crunch over time. Reheating is simple. You can use the microwave for quick warming. Just place a portion in a bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir and check the temperature. If you prefer, you can enjoy it cold. The flavors still shine through, even chilled! Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil. It adds extra flavor and richness. Just remember that it might make the salad a bit more oily. If you want a lighter dish, stick to tuna in water. You can store this salad in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness. The flavors get better as it sits, so enjoy it cold! To make your salad more filling, consider adding extra protein. You could include cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even tofu. Adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach can also boost the nutrition. The salad is not gluten-free due to the whole wheat pasta. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. This way, you can enjoy the salad without worry. Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The pasta and veggies won’t hold up well when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days. This recipe yields four servings. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. You can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding more people! This blog post detailed a simple tuna pasta salad recipe. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. Meal prepping is easy with the right know-how. You can switch ingredients for different tastes, and storage tips keep it fresh. Finally, our FAQs answer your common questions. Enjoy creating a quick and tasty meal anytime!

Minute Protein Packed Tuna Pasta Salad

Looking for a quick and nutritious meal? Try this Minute Protein Packed Tuna Pasta Salad! It's bursting with flavor and is easy to make in just 20 minutes. Packed with whole wheat pasta, tuna, chickpeas, and fresh veggies, it's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Discover the simple steps to whip up this delicious salad and impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a healthy bite today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups whole wheat pasta (your choice of shape)

1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ cup diced cucumber

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta down.

    Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.

      Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Combine Everything: Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the tuna and vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated.

          Chill (Optional): You can serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

            Serve: Spoon the salad into individual bowls or plates and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and top with a few whole cherry tomatoes for an eye-catching garnish.