Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable version)

Bright and refreshing pasta with tuna, lemon, and herbs

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or bowties)
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Salad Components

03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
09 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

→ Optional Additions

12 - 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
13 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add frozen peas during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, diced red onion, chopped parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
03 - Add cooled pasta and peas to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated.
04 - Stir in capers and cherry tomatoes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.
05 - Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bright lemon and herbs make canned tuna taste like something special
  • You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better the next day
  • It works for picnics, lunch boxes, or a light dinner when you are too tired to cook
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining or it will continue cooking and become mushy
  • The salad needs at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together
  • This keeps well for two days but the pasta will absorb the dressing, so add a splash more olive oil and lemon before serving leftovers
03 -
  • Toast the pasta in olive oil for two minutes before boiling for a nuttier flavor
  • Save a splash of pasta water before draining to loosen the salad if it seems dry
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