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This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad is loaded with an abundance of Italian flavors from olives, tomatoes, tuna, and fresh parsley tossed in a tangy herb dressing. Topped with feta cheese this is a great dinner for a summer night.
I love the convenience of pasta salad for make-ahead meals. The fresh Italian flavors in this salad make for a light dinner that I really crave.
I recommend stirring this together in the morning so that you can dish it up whenever you want, whether that’s for easy lunches or simple dinners.
I’ve been on a real tuna fish kick with the cans in the pantry these days and I’m enjoying finding new ways to use these pantry ingredients.
oh! And if you aren’t a fan of tuna, this salad is also delicious with canned chicken.
Pasta Salad Recipes
Tangy Pasta Salad is a classic that we’ve been making for about as long as I can remember. This Italian Penne Pasta Salad is another light and tangy salad that is potluck, party, and summer barbecue friendly, with no mayo or other ingredients to spoil in the heat.
This Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad was a hit when I made it last year and I still crave it all the time. Italian Artichoke Pasta Salad is filled with ripe sunburst and cherry tomatoes, tangy artichoke hearts, tender pasta, and fresh basil.
Asian Pasta Salad is a vegetable lover’s dream dinner come true. And this Marinated Vegetable Pasta Salad is another vegetable-filled option to love.
Have you tried the Jalapeno Tuna Pasta Salad yet? I’ve been hearing from people all week who are raving about it. My kids have been asking when I can make it again too. This Broccoli and Salami Pasta Salad is another hearty option for lunches and dinners.
Creamy homemade ranch dressing coats every bite of pasta and vegetables in this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. It’s a kid-favorite in our house. Speaking of kid favorites, this Creamy Summer Pasta Salad is another great one.
Coleslaw Pasta Salad takes classic coleslaw and kicks up it a bit for a heartier side dish option. Spinach Pasta Salad is a garlicky salad that I find myself eating for just about every meal until it’s gone.
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil along with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the red onion, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Za’atar seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium-size bowl. Stir and let sit while assembling the rest of the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, olives, tomatoes, and cucumber. Add the onion and all of the juices from the bowl. Stir to coat everything in the dressing.
- Sprinkle generously with parsley and toss again. Top with Feta if desired. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper as needed. Serve or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta or other small pasta noodles
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced very thin and chopped small
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Za'atar seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper, adjust to taste
- 10-12 ounces tuna in water, (2) 5-ounce cans, well-drained
- 6 ounce can whole black olives, drained and halved
- 16 ounces grape tomatoes, sliced in half, about 2 cups worth
- 1 English cucumber, chopped into 1/2" pieces, about 1 cup worth
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped small
- 1/2 cup feta, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil along with 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine the red onion, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Za'atar seasoning, salt, and pepper in a medium-size bowl. Stir and let sit while assembling the rest of the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, olives, tomatoes, and cucumber. Add the onion and all of the juices from the bowl. Stir to coat everything in the dressing.
- Sprinkle generously with parsley and toss again. Top with Feta if desired. Taste the salad and add more salt and pepper as needed. Serve or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is za’atar dressing mix.
What can it be replaced with that Is sold in canada
You should be able to find the seasoning mix in the grocery store, Eileen. If it isn’t available, you can use a Greek seasoning blend of oregano and thyme. Just adjust to taste.
You can use thyme and oregano in place of it.
Oh, that’s what the other person, Mary said lol!
We made this yesterday and really enjoyed it.
I am in love with this! It is so very yummy! Looking forward to trying all the recipes on the site 🙂
I’m thrilled to hear that, Katie!
Looks & sounds yummy and I would love to make it but what is Za’atar seasoning?
Hi, Anne! Za’atar seasoning is a Middle Eastern spice blend; it contains thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and usually cumin. It should be available at most grocery stores.