Are you ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Dive into the bold and zesty world of our Buffalo Tuna Pasta Salad, a deliciously satisfying dish that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free! Perfect for a quick lunch or a vibrant dinner, this salad combines the savory goodness of tuna with the fiery kick of buffalo sauce, all tossed with tender gluten-free pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a healthy twist to your table. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup dairy-free mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add gluten-free pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, drain the canned tuna thoroughly and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely dice the celery and red onion into uniform small pieces, ensuring consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Add cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with tuna, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and dairy-free mayonnaise until well combined.
- Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the pasta and tuna, gently folding to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for added freshness.
Tips
- Cook the Pasta Perfectly: To achieve that ideal al dente texture, follow the package instructions closely and stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors. This resting time lets the ingredients meld beautifully, creating a more robust taste.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition. You can also adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the dish, making it visually appealing.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will last for up to three days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
