Easy Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
Flaky tuna tossed with al dente pasta, crisp veggies, olives, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. Light, flavorful, and very Mediterranean.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: ~20 minutes
Ingredients
Salad
2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or whole wheat)
1 can tuna in olive oil or water, drained
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup olives, sliced
2 tbsp capers
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Dressing
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp lemon juice or red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, grated
Salt & black pepper
Optional Add-ins
Feta cheese crumbles
Roasted red peppers
Sweet corn
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
Drain and cool slightly
2️⃣ Make Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt & pepper
3️⃣ Assemble Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, tuna, veggies, olives & herbs
Pour dressing and toss gently
4️⃣ Finish
Add feta or extra herbs if using
Chill 10 minutes or serve immediately
Tips
Use tuna in olive oil for best flavor
Add a spoon of pasta water if salad feels dry
Keeps well for 2–3 days in fridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free pasta.
Q: Good for weight loss?
Yes — high protein and healthy fats, especially with whole-grain pasta.
Q: Can I skip pasta?
Swap with chickpeas or white beans for a low-carb version.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 22 g