Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Bright and refreshing pasta salad featuring canned tuna, zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and sweet peas. Perfect for picnics and light meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

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

→ Salad

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

→ Optional Additions

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

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the boiling water. Drain pasta and peas, then rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
03 - Add the cooled pasta and peas to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
04 - Stir in capers and cherry tomatoes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes with mostly canned ingredients
  • The flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge for a day
  • Perfect for those hot summer days when you cannot bear to turn on the oven
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and washes away excess starch
  • Letting the salad rest for 10 minutes lets the flavors meld together properly
  • The pasta will absorb some dressing as it sits so add a splash more oil before serving leftovers
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest to avoid bitter white pith
  • If the onion feels too sharp soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes then drain
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