Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Bright pasta salad with tuna, lemon, herbs and sweet peas. Ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta Base

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

→ Salad Components

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

→ Optional Additions

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

# How to Make It:

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 (if using), 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 -
  • The combination of lemon zest and juice creates a brightness that cuts through the rich tuna without needing heavy dressings
  • It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep or picnics
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops cooking and removes excess starch which prevents clumping
  • The pasta absorbs the dressing as it sits so add a splash more olive oil before serving leftovers
03 -
  • Toast the pasta in olive oil for 2 minutes before boiling for a nuttier flavor
  • Let the dressed pasta sit for 15 minutes before adding the tuna to prevent the fish from breaking apart
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