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dairy free pesto tuna pasta in a bowl with tomatoes, basil, and a slice of lemon
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Gluten Free Tuna Pesto Pasta

This homemade, creamy tuna pesto pasta recipe is the easiest 20-minute meal! A quick and easy recipe served hot or cold. This versatile dish is delicious, healthy, and full of protein! Make for an easy weeknight meal or as a make-ahead side dish for a gathering. 
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 406kcal
Author Mary Smith

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil packed
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts sub sunflower seeds for nut free!
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp nutritional yeast feel free to sub parmesan if dairy is tolerated
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 12 oz box of Jovial Foods Fusilli or gluten free pasta of choice
  • 2 cans chunk light tuna drained and mashed up with a fork

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  • Combine the basil, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, olive oil, mayo, and water in a food processor. Pulse a few times until ALMOST smooth but still a little chunky. 
  • Add the cooked pasta, tomatoes, tuna, and creamy pesto to a large bowl and toss to combine. Serve and enjoy (hot OR cold as a pasta salad)!

Notes

Mary's Tips & Tricks

  • Protein: Feel free to substitute chopped cooked (or canned) chicken instead of tuna, or omit the tuna completely. 
  • Nut-Free Pesto: If you prefer not to use walnuts, feel free to sub in sunflowers seeds!
  • Pasta Water: Saving a little bit of the starchy pasta water adds a really nice creaminess to the dish. Use this if you’re looking for extra creaminess without any dairy! 
  • Alternative Pasta: If you’re not gluten intolerant, feel free to swap the gluten-free pasta for your favorite pasta type and shape. Cook according to the package instructions for best results. 
  • Tuna: You can use canned tuna packed in water or olive oil. Adjust the additional oil according to which type you use! 

Serving Tips

  • Serve hot as a delicious pasta dinner or cold as a pasta salad! If you’re okay with dairy, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top of each serving. 

Storage Tips

  • Store your tuna pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and serve warm or cold. Give it a good stir before serving!

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 412mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 583IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg