Name: Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 16 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, farfalle); 2 (5-ounces) canned solid white tuna (in water); 1/2 cup diced onions; 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; 1 cup diced cucumber; 3 tablespoons capers, drained; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons plain yogurt; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Last updated on July 5th, 2019 at 09:04 pm

Tuna Pasta Salad – This light and easy Pasta Salad is loaded with Mediterranean flavors! Tender noodles, protein-rich tuna, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives and capers are tossed in a flavorful lemon yogurt vinaigrette.

This Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to serve for lunch, at potlucks, picnics and backyard parties. I like to serve it as a side dish or as a main dish on hot evenings that call for lighter meals.

This Pasta Salad recipe is tossed in a quick and easy to make lemon-yogurt dressing. The dressing is light and adds so much flavor to the noodles and the vegetables. Although I love a super creamy and rich pasta salads like this flavor-packed Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad, this No-Mayo Pasta Salad is incredibly tasty and one of our favorite pasta salad recipes.

How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl, or pour ingredients in a lidded jar and shake away!
Drain the pasta. You can rinse the noodles with cold water if you want to speed the cooling process.
When the pasta is at room temperature, add the tuna and vegetables and toss to combine.
Pour the lemon yogurt dressing over the pasta salad and toss!
You can serve it immediately or let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator so the flavors have time to meld and intensify.

Frequently Asked Questions, Tips and Notes about Tuna Pasta Salad

Can this Pasta Salad Recipe Be Made Ahead?
Yes, actually the longer the pasta salad sits in the fridge, the better it tastes. You can make it the night or day before you want to serve it. If it looks a bit dry, just drizzle a little olive oil and toss it.
How Long Can Tuna Pasta Salad Keep?
Properly stored, in an airtight container, tuna pasta salad should keep between 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator.
Is Canned Tuna Good For You?
Tuna is low in fat and high in protein. Due to high content of omega-3, tuna fish may support brain function, help lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure.
What Type Of Tuna Should I Use For This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe?
I use Solid White Tuna in Water, my second option is Chunk White Tuna in Water. Because the dressing has oil, I do not recommend tuna packed in oil as the pasta can get too oily.
When possible I get sustainable wild tuna (available canned).
I add a bit of oil to the pasta water when making cold pasta dishes.
You can customized this salad by adding:
Diced Red Bell Peppers
Corn
Chopped Avocado
Fresh Dill
If you like tuna, take a look at these recipes:
Fabulous Trio of Crostini with Mini Tuna Melt
Weeknight Classic Tuna Casserole
Classic Tuna Salad Deviled Eggs

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Close up view of Pasta Salad served in a white bowl

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5 from 5 votes