Tuna Pasta Salad

Here's a healthy spin on a picnic favorite!



Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes

Not your average pasta or tuna salad, this combination is filled with crunchy celery, juicy tomatoes, and fresh sweet peas. Flavorful and filling, it's perfect for the office or a picnic lunch. If you're making pasta for dinner, make some extra to use in this salad the next day, and your total time wil only be about 15 minutes!

8 ounces spelt or whole wheat pasta
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 (6-ounce) cans solid white tuna packed in water, drained
4 large celery stalks, chopped
6 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 15 tomatoes), quartered
2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons minced red onion
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.

Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, and vinegar in a small mixing bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place tuna in a large mixing bowl and break into small pieces. Add pasta, celery, tomatoes, peas, and onion; stir to combine. Add dressing and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Maggie's notes:

Increase the healthful aspect of this recipe by using Kraft Reduced Fat Mayo made with olive oil.

If you don't have balsamic vinegar, try this substitution: 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar plus 1/2 tsp. sugar. (I used stevia.)

We skipped using the peas in our version because no one in my family really cares for them. Other variations could include some chopped up red or green peppers.

Makes 4 (1 3/4-cup) servings

Nutrition at a glance
Per serving: 450 calories, 15 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 31 g protein, 50 g carbohydrate, 7 g dietary fiber, 570 mg sodium

This recipe is from The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook, by Arthur Agatston, MD. Well worth the price of about $17 at Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/South-Beach-Diet-Quick-Cookbook/dp/1594862923