Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Print View)

A vibrant pasta salad combining tender tuna, tangy lemon, crisp peas, and fresh herbs for a light, satisfying meal.

# What You’ll 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, or to taste

→ Optional Additions

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

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the boiling water. Drain pasta and peas thoroughly, then rinse under cold water until cooled completely.
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 until all components are evenly incorporated.
04 - Stir in capers and cherry tomatoes if desired. 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 fresh herbs before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemon wakes up everything else on your plate
  • Canned tuna transforms into something restaurant-worthy
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent it from absorbing all the dressing
  • The salad needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge for flavors to meld together properly
03 -
  • Let the dressed salad sit for 30 minutes before serving so the pasta soaks up the flavors
  • Grate the lemon zest before juicing so you do not struggle with a squeezed lemon
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