Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Bright and refreshing with canned tuna, zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and sweet peas. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners.

# What You Need:

→ 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

→ Optional Additions

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

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add peas to the boiling water. Drain pasta and peas thoroughly, then rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, red onion, parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
03 - Add 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 additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
05 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its the perfect make ahead dish that actually tastes better after the flavors have time to mingle in the fridge
  • You can keep all the ingredients in your pantry and freezer for those I dont know what to make days
  • The balance of zesty lemon and savory tuna hits every craving without leaving you feeling heavy
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch
  • Let the lemon juice, onion, and tuna sit together for a few minutes before adding the pasta to let the flavors meld
  • The pasta will absorb some dressing as it sits, so make it slightly more acidic and salty than you think you need
03 -
  • Invest in good quality olive oil since it's one of the main flavor components
  • Toast the pasta in a dry pan before boiling for a nuttier flavor that stands up to the bold dressing
  • Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors really come together
Go Back