Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable)

A bright and refreshing pasta salad featuring canned tuna, zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and sweet peas. Perfect for picnics and lunches.

# 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 or to taste

→ Optional Additions

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and peas, then rinse under cold water to cool 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 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 fresh herbs before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you put way more thought into it
  • The leftovers somehow get better overnight as the flavors really settle in and become friends
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will continue cooking and turn mushy
  • The salad needs at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator for flavors to meld properly
03 -
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for the lemon zest to avoid bitter white pith
  • Let the finished salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor
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