Italian Tuna Pasta Salad
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Italian Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and vibrant taste. Tender al dente penne pasta is tossed with succulent chunks of canned tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and zesty capers, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. A simple yet zippy dressing made of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley ties everything together, making this dish refreshingly light yet satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, an effortless dinner, or a potluck favorite. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a nutritious, protein-packed meal that celebrates classic Italian cuisine. Keywords: Italian tuna pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, healthy tuna recipe, quick pasta salad, easy Italian recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Penne pasta
- 2 cans (4-5 ounces each) Canned tuna in olive oil
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 1 small (finely chopped) Red onion
- 100 grams (sliced) Kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley
- 1.5 tablespoons (rinsed and drained) Capers
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove (minced) Garlic
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (freshly ground, adjust to taste) Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, finely chop the red onion, slice the Kalamata olives, and rinse and drain the capers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, capers, and flaked tuna (drain the tuna slightly before adding).
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give it a final toss.
Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld together. This dish can be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
386 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.1 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 1118 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 21.4 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 47 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 376 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
