Protein Pickle Tuna Salad Recipe: The Ultimate High-Protein Lunch
A quick and protein-packed lunch alternative with dill pickles, tuna, and protein pasta in a zesty ranch dressing. Combines tangy, creamy, and savory flavors for a satisfying, customizable dish perfect for weekdays or picnics.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: High Protein Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅔ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1.5 tablespoons ranch seasoning
¼ cup avocado oil
1 tablespoon pickle juice
½ teaspoon salt
5 3 oz cans skipjack tuna (dill pickle tuna recommended) or 3 5 oz regular tuna cans
8 oz protein pasta (small shape like shells or macaroni)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup scallions/green onions, thinly sliced (about 3 stocks)
½ cucumber, diced
0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color + crunch)
Additional optional garnishes: pickle spears, sliced eggs, croutons
Instructions
Boil protein pasta according to package instructions and drain.
In a large bowl, sauté minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of avocado oil until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
Drain most of the liquid from cooked pasta for a denser texture.
Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, white vinegar, lemon juice, dill, ranch seasoning, remaining 0.25 cup avocado oil, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, and salt to form the dressing.
Flake tuna into the bowl and add cooked pasta, diced cucumber, and scallions.
Stir well to combine and season with paprika if using.
Chill for 5-10 minutes before serving with optional garnishes like pickle speers or sliced eggs.
Notes
Use leftover vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, celery) for extra crunch.
Replace tuna with cooked chicken or chickpeas for a halal/non-seafood version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Protein pasta is typically low in carbs and high in protein (e.g., eggplant or lentil-based).
Adjust ranch seasoning to taste for better flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 2800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Find it online: https://www.makeourrecipes.com/protein-pickle-tuna-salad-recipe/