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    Home » Recipes » Dinner Recipes

    Tuna Pasta Salad with Feta & Pine Nuts

    Author: Amy Fulwood | Published: Jun 21, 2019 | Modified: Apr 23, 2024

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    This lightened up healthy tuna pasta salad requires no mayo but has a light lemon dressing and is so easy to make. It's perfect served cold for a summer lunch. 

    Taking it old school with tuna pasta salad today.

    Overhead shot of tuna pasta salad in a glass bowl with a cloth and wooden spoon
    Close up of tuna pasta salad in a white bowl

    I mean seriously doesn't tuna pasta salad just make you think of being a kid? 

    It was one of my all time favourite foods as a kid and I'm talking about the type that would be slathered in mayo with a few token chunks of cucumber thrown in for good measure. Now don't get me wrong I still love that exact dish and it remains a real comfort food for me but I felt like it was time to upgrade the humble tuna pasta salad.

    This version has some of my favourite ingredients in it and it's all tossed with a lemony mustardy dressing which keeps the whole thing light and summery. Perfect for a picnic or barbecue.

    I'm so excited to add this recipe to my selection of pasta salads along with this caprese pasta salad, mackerel pasta salad and roasted tomato pasta salad.

    Glass bowl of tuna pasta salad in a marble surface
    Close up of tuna pasta salad with basil and feta

    Why we love this recipe...

    It's full of fresh ingredients like cucumber, red onion and fresh basil which makes it the perfect summer dish.

    It's great for meal prep as it will store well in the fridge for several days so you can make it ahead for work lunches or a weekend gathering.

    It's also easy to make with ingredients you have on hand so feel free to throw in any leftover veg you like.

    This is also a healthier and lighter version of a classic creamy tuna pasta salad with a lemon dressing and plenty of filling ingredients.

    Overhead shot of tuna pasta salad in a glass bowl with salt and pine nuts
    Side angle shot of tuna pasta salad in a white bowl on a marble surface

    Ingredients

    Pasta: I used fusilli but use whatever cut of pasta you like. Macaroni or penner would be good.

    Canned Tuna: Make sure to get sustainably sourced tuna. Also try it in these quick and easy tuna burgers!

    Red Onion: Very finely chopped

    Feta: Crumbled

    Sun Dried Tomatoes: Thinly sliced

    Pine Nuts

    Cucumber

    Fresh Basil: And lots of it

    Lemon Mustard Dressing: Made from a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard and garlic

    Glass bowl of tuna pasta salad with a cloth on a marble background
    Close up of tuna pasta salad with cucumber

    How to make it

    1. Cook the pasta: According to packet instructions then drain and rinse with cold water
    2. Make the salad dressing: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients then season to taste
    3. Make the salad: Toss together all of the ingredients with the dressing and serve
    Overhead shot of tuna pasta salad in a glass bowl with basil
    Tuna pasta salad in a glass bowl with basil

    Expert tips

    If you want to make this recipe gluten free simply switch the pasta for your favourite gluten free brand

    You could switch the tuna for salmon or smoked mackerel if you prefer

    Feel free to add any extra vegetables you like to this pasta salad

    Overhead shot of a white bowl of tuna pasta salad with wooden bowls of salt and pine nuts
    White bowl of tuna pasta salad on a marble surface

    Variations

    Switch up the flavourings by trying different herbs instead of the basil. Dill or parsley would be really good here.

    Add extra veggies like blanched frozen peas, green onion or broccoli florets.

    FAQs

    How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?

    This recipe lasts up to 5 days in the fridge so it's a great one for meal prep. I'd recommend refreshing with a drizzle of olive oil or a little extra dressing before serving.

    Is tuna good for you?

    Tuna is such a great ingredient to add to your cooking. It's full of omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and anti-oxidants. Try my tuna salad for another delicious way of using this fish!

    Can you eat this pasta warm/cold?

    You can have it however you like! If you don't want to wait for the pasta to cool then feel free to add in the rest of the ingredients and serve it warm, I'd probably leave the cucumber out if you're planning on serving it like this. Alternatively, you can have it cold which makes it perfect for a summer picnic. 

    Want more? Try these other pasta recipes!

    • Easy Crispy Pancetta Ravioli with Sun Dried Tomatoes & Spinach
    • Vegetarian Spaghetti Bolognese with Mushrooms
    • Blackened Shrimp Pasta
    • Halloumi Pasta with Tahini Dressing
    • Weeknight Pasta with Pancetta, Peas and Mint
    • 15 Minute Mushroom Tagliatelle
    • 15 Minute Spicy Salmon Linguine
    • Sausage Pasta Bake
    • Pesto Pasta Salad

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    Recipe

    White bowl of tuna pasta salad on a marble surface

    Tuna Pasta Salad with Feta & Pine Nuts

    This lightened up healthy tuna pasta salad requires no mayo but has a light lemon dressing and is so easy to make. It's perfect served cold for a summer lunch.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 540kcal
    Author: Amy Fulwood

    Ingredients

    • 300 g Pasta
    • 2 200g tins Tuna drained
    • ½ Red Onion chopped
    • 100 g Feta crumbled
    • 10 Sun Dried Tomatoes chopped
    • 50 g Pine Nuts
    • ½ Cucumber chopped
    • Bunch Fresh Basil chopped

    Dressing

    • 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
    • 1 clove Garlic crushed
    • Salt and Pepper
    UK Measures - US Measures

    Instructions

    • Cook the pasta according to packet instructions then drain and rinse in cold water until cooled.
    • Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.
    • Toss the cooked pasta with the tuna, red onion, feta, sun dried tomatoes, pine nuts, cucumber, basil and dressing.
    Nutrition Facts
    Tuna Pasta Salad with Feta & Pine Nuts
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 540 Calories from Fat 144
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 16g25%
    Saturated Fat 5g25%
    Cholesterol 58mg19%
    Sodium 559mg23%
    Potassium 679mg19%
    Carbohydrates 64g21%
    Fiber 4g16%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 36g72%
    Vitamin A 235IU5%
    Vitamin C 5.9mg7%
    Calcium 170mg17%
    Iron 4mg22%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

    Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!

    Pinterest image for tuna pasta salad with text overlay

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    Comments

    1. Suzy says

      June 25, 2019 at 2:45 am

      5 stars
      This combination is just perfect! Love it and we will be making it again soon!

      Reply
    2. Veena Azmanov says

      June 24, 2019 at 2:43 am

      Pasta is one of my family favorite and this Tuna and cheese combination to this pasta is amazing and unique.

      Reply
    3. Pam Greer says

      June 23, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      I love this lighter and healthier tuna pasta salads! Perfect for a picnic!

      Reply
    4. Beth Pierce says

      June 23, 2019 at 5:12 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a great recipe! Flavorful, quick and delicious! Yum!

      Reply
    5. Cindy Gordon says

      June 23, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      5 stars
      Pasta salad is a huge part of summer! We are always looking for new ways to make it. This looks great!

      Reply
    5 from 4 votes

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    Hey, I'm Amy Fulwood!

    Recipe creator and photographer here at TheCookReport.co.uk.

    Over here we’re all about delicious healthy recipes to fit around busy schedules and celebrating the joy that comes from an amazing meal.

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