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.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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).

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and give it a final toss.

Step 7

Taste the pasta salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Step 8

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

Serving size	1030.2 grams (1030.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2181

Total Fat 106.50g	137%
Saturated Fat 14.70g	74%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 142mg	47%
Sodium 4804mg	209%
Total Carbohydrate 211.50g	77%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 10.50g
Protein 97.60g	195%

Vitamin D 568IU	2840%
Calcium 205mg	16%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1955mg	42%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 38.5%