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. 

Taking it old school with tuna pasta salad today.

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.

Why we love this tuna pasta salad

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 tuna pasta salad with a lemon dressing and plenty of filling ingredients

Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients:

Pasta: I used fusilli but use whatever cut of pasta you like

Tuna: Make sure to get sustainably sourced tuna 

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

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How to make tuna pasta salad?

1. Cook the pasta: According to packet instructions then run under cold water until cooled
2. Make the 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

Equipment you need to make this recipe...

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Expert tips for making this tuna pasta salad

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

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. 

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

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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

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 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.

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