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Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

Mediterranean tuna pasta salad with fresh vegetables and lemon herb vinaigrette.

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This vibrant Mediterranean tuna pasta salad transforms simple pantry staples into a bright, flavor-packed meal. It features al dente pasta, flaky tuna, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces short pasta (like fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white albacore tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red onion, halved olives, parsley, and dill.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss everything until evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing, salt, or pepper as needed.
  5. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the tuna is well-drained and the pasta is cooked al dente. The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; the flavors improve over time. Add the feta last to prevent it from dissolving into the dressing.

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