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    Home » Salads

    Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad

    Updated: May 30, 2023 by Katie Hale · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Tuna that is vegan? Well, the secret is that it is really chickpeas, but the flavors are perfect for making a vegan tuna pasta salad that will become a favorite lunchtime meal fast.

    square white plate of vegan tuna pasta salad on wood table by fresh herbs

    This salad is nutritious, packed with protein, bright veggies, and a simple dressing that is creamy and has just enough zesty flavor to please everyone at the table.

    If you like this, you may also like our basic vegan tuna salad recipe. Add it to your menu for another easy lunch idea.

    Jump to:
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • 📋Substitutions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🫙Storage
    • 🍽 Equipment
    • 💭Top Tip
    • ❓FAQ
    • Related
    • Pairing
    • Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad
    • Food Safety

    🥘 Ingredients

    Below you will find a list of ingredients for the pasta salad and one for the dressing. Quantities for both of these can be found below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    For the pasta salad

    • Elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
    • Chickpeas
    • Celery
    • Red bell peppers
    • Red onion
    • Peas (frozen)
    • Fresh dill
    fresh vegetables on table beside bowls of pasta chickpeas and peas

    For the dressing

    • Dairy-free yogurt
    • Vegan mayonnaise
    • Lemon juice
    • Pickle brine
    • Dijon mustard
    • Garlic powder
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    bowls of ingredients on marble table

    🔪Instructions

    Start by preparing the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse, and set the pasta aside.

    pasta in white stockpot on top of black hot plate

    Then prepare the salad by chopping the celery, bell pepper, and onion into small pieces. Chop the dill or remove it from the stems. Set this aside.

    red pepper being chopped on cutting board
    celery being chopped on cutting board

    Now, rinse and drain the chickpeas and smash them with a fork until they are chunky but mostly smooth.

    chickpeas in glass bowl being mashed with fork

    Next, you will whisk together the salad dressing. In a large bowl, add the dairy-free yogurt, vegan mayonnaise, pickle brine, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, and taste, and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

    ingredients being poured into glass measuring cup
    dressing being stirred in glass cup

    Lastly, assemble the salad by combining all ingredients together and stirring until combined.

    peppers being added to bowl of pasta
    dressing being poured over vegan tuna pasta salad

    You want the pasta and chickpeas to be coated nicely in the dressing. Chill until ready to serve.

    wood bowl of pasta with veggies and dressing on top

    📋Substitutions

    Don't have all the ingredients? No problem! Here are some easy substitutions you can make:

    • Instead of elbow macaroni, use any pasta of your choice. Smaller pasta such as shells, rigatoni, penne, or bowtie is preferred.
    • Swap chickpeas for white beans or even some marinated tofu.
    • Use any type of bell pepper, add jalapeno, or even chopped poblano peppers.
    • Substitute dill with parsley, cilantro, or basil.

    📖 Variations

    Looking to switch things up? Here are some variations to try:

    • Add sliced avocado for a creamier texture
    • Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch
    • Try adding roasted garlic for extra flavor
    • Add roasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans for texture
    • Season the chickpeas with taco seasoning, barbecue sauce, or lemon pepper

    Use your imagination and create a tasty treat with new fresh flavors. A mix of extra vegetables, herbs, or spices can really elevate this to new levels.

    wood bowl of salad on white marble table

    🫙Storage

    This vegan tuna pasta salad is good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container or tightly sealed bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.

    While some ingredients can be frozen, the salad itself is not tasty frozen, and thawed. I recommend making just enough that you can finish in 3 days' time.

    🍽 Equipment

    If you are new to cooking, below are some ideas for kitchenware and tools you may need to invest in for your kitchen. These are our personal favorites that are used on a regular basis.

    • Mixing bowl
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Whisk
    • Cutting board
    • Chef's knife
    • Stockpot
    • Colander
    fork of tuna pasta salad held above white bowl

    💭Top Tip

    My top tip for making this pasta salad even better is to let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even more delicious and satisfying dish.

    ❓FAQ

    How do I make vegan tuna salad taste like real tuna salad?

    The good thing about tuna is how mild of a flavor it has. That means that a focus on the dressing and additions to the salad is where you can add flavor. This particular blend has a lot of acids to pair with the creamy sauce. That is a personal favorite, but you may prefer more brightness from mustard or even additional pickles.

    Is vegan tuna pasta salad served hot or cold?

    This recipe is best served cold. If possible, I recommend refrigerating the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving so all ingredients are chilled.

    wood bowl of pasta with vegetables and dressing drizzled over the top

    Related

    I love a good pasta salad, and below are a few more that you may enjoy serving. Check them out and bookmark your favorites to make them soon.

    close up of pasta salad in bowl
    Vegan Pasta Salad
    mediterranean orzo salad in a wooden bowl
    Orzo Mediterranean Pasta Salad
    vegan macaroni salad in a wooden bowl with a spoon
    Best Macaroni Salad

    Pairing

    While this is a perfect option to serve by itself for a hearty lunch, I love sharing this with a bit of soup. Below are some family favorites to pair with the vegan tuna pasta salad.

    vegetarian split pea soup in a pot
    Vegan Split Pea Soup
    a spoonful of vegan cream of mushroom soup in a bowl
    Cream of Mushroom Soup
    a bowl of vegan curried butternut squash soup with a spoon
    Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    white bowl of vegan tuna pasta salad on gray table

    Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad

    Katie Hale
    This vegan tuna pasta salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 521 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the salad

    • 12 oz small pasta 350g
    • 1 can chickpeas 15 oz, 440 g
    • 1 cup celery
    • 2 red peppers
    • ½ red onion
    • 1 cup peas frozen
    • ⅓ cup dill

    For the dressing:

    • ⅓ cup yogurt dairy-free
    • ⅓ cup mayo vegan
    • 1 lemon Juice
    • 3 tbsp pickle brine
    • 2 tsp dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • To begin, cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain, rinse, and set aside.
      pasta in white stockpot on top of black hot plate
    • Now, move on to making the salad. Cut the celery, bell pepper, and onion into small pieces, and chop the dill or remove it from the stems. Set this aside.
    • Next, rinse and drain the chickpeas and use a fork to smash them until they become chunky yet mostly smooth.
      chickpeas in glass bowl being mashed with fork
    • For the salad dressing, take a large bowl and whisk together the dairy-free yogurt, vegan mayonnaise, pickle brine, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste the mixture and add more salt and pepper if needed.
      pepper being added to glass measuring cup of mayo
    • Finally, combine all ingredients to assemble the salad. Stir well to ensure that the pasta and chickpeas are evenly coated in the dressing. Refrigerate the salad until it's time to serve.
      dressing being poured over vegan tuna pasta salad

    Video

    Notes

    1. Season the chickpeas with additional spices before mashing for further flavor. 
    2. Fresh dill is best, but you can use dried dill in a pinch. 
    3. Chill this recipe for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 521kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 15gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 189mgPotassium: 598mgFiber: 8gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2596IUVitamin C: 110mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword tuna pasta salad, tuna salad recipe, vegan tuna pasta salad
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food Safety

    Check out our tips below to make sure you are being safe in your home kitchen when preparing food for yourself, friends, and family.

    • Always sanitize countertops, cutting boards, utensils, and cookware thoroughly between each use.
    • Wash your hands in warm soapy water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Remember, "FROG" means friction rubs off germs.
    • After serving food, allow it to cool, then place it into the refrigerator or proper storage immediately. Food should be at room temperature for no more than 2 hours for safety.

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