Description
Mediterranean-Style Tuna Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brightens up any meal with its fresh ingredients. This refreshing salad combines tender pasta with nutritious canned tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy lemon vinaigrette, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches, this mayo-free option is not only lighter but also packed with protein and healthy fats. Whether served alone or as a side dish to grilled meats, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy it chilled for maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, farfalle)
- 2 (5-ounce) canned solid white tuna (in water)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice onions and cucumber, halve grape tomatoes, and pit olives if necessary. Combine in a mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture. Pour dressing over and mix gently until combined; fold in tuna and capers.
- Garnish: Top with chopped parsley before serving. Chill for 30 minutes if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg