Name: Mediterranean‑Style Tuna Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 200 g short pasta (penne, bow-tie, shells or similar); 1 can (150–170 g) tuna, drained and flaked; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 small cucumber, sliced or half-moon sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional); 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or quartered; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, to taste); A handful fresh parsley, chopped; A handful fresh basil or dill, chopped; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons); 1 clove garlic, minced or grated; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or a pinch of za’atar or sumac); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

This Mediterranean-Style Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish made with tuna, olives, crisp vegetables, and pasta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, or meal prep.

Ingredients

200 g short pasta (penne, bow-tie, shells or similar)

1 can (150–170 g) tuna, drained and flaked

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small cucumber, sliced or half-moon sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or quartered

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, to taste)

A handful fresh parsley, chopped

A handful fresh basil or dill, chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)

1 clove garlic, minced or grated

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or a pinch of za’atar or sumac)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then let it drain well.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano (or za’atar), salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with flaked tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper (if using), and olives. Gently toss to combine.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, add chopped parsley and basil or dill, and fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Serve immediately at room temperature or chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving for a more refreshing dish.

Notes

Swap tuna for grilled or canned salmon for a different flavor.

Omit tuna and add chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for deeper flavor.

Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture.

Mix in arugula or baby spinach before serving for extra greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook / Boiled Pasta
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg