Mediterranean Tuna Linguine Salad
This delightful Mediterranean Tuna Linguine Salad is a refreshing take on traditional pasta salads, combining the flavors of fresh ingredients and classic Mediterranean seasonings. The dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches, offering a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy. The tender linguine is paired with protein-rich tuna, sweet green peas, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Enhanced with green onions and Italian herbs, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also a great make-ahead option for busy days. Chill it for a few hours to let the flavors meld beautifully, making it a must-try for those seeking a satisfying yet nutritious meal.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Linguine
8 ounces (Break lengthwise into thirds before cooking.)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed is recommended.)
Light olive oil
1/4 cup
Green onion, chopped
1/4 cup (Chop finely.)
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon
Tuna, drained
2 (6 ounce) cans (Flake with a fork.)
Frozen green peas, thawed
10 ounces
Medium tomatoes, chopped
2 (Use firm tomatoes, chop into bite-sized pieces.)
Instructions
1
Break the linguine into thirds and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, light olive oil, chopped green onions, sugar, Italian seasoning, and seasoning salt until well combined.
3
Add the HOT linguine to the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4
Gently fold in the flaked tuna and thawed green peas until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5
Finally, add the chopped tomatoes and gently toss to combine, taking care not to mash the tomatoes.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve the salad cold as a refreshing meal or side dish. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tuna Linguine Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad that combines linguine, protein-rich tuna, green peas, and tomatoes in a zesty lemon and herb dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Linguine is used for this recipe, broken into thirds before cooking.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of lemon juice, light olive oil, green onions, sugar, Italian seasoning, and seasoning salt.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
While any lemon juice works, freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
What kind of tuna should I use?
You should use two 6-ounce cans of tuna, drained and flaked with a fork.
Do the green peas need to be cooked?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of frozen green peas that have been thawed.
How should I prepare the linguine?
Break the linguine into thirds and cook it according to the package instructions.
Should the pasta be cold when adding the dressing?
No, you should add the hot linguine to the dressing mixture to help it coat evenly and absorb the flavors.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use two firm medium tomatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead option as it needs to refrigerate for several hours for the flavors to meld.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It should be refrigerated for several hours or even overnight.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served cold as a refreshing meal or side dish.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Light olive oil is recommended for this specific dressing.
What seasonings are used in the Mediterranean Tuna Linguine Salad?
The salad is seasoned with Italian seasoning and seasoning salt.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
A tablespoon of sugar is added to the dressing to balance the acidity of the lemon juice.
How should I incorporate the tuna?
The flaked tuna should be gently folded into the mixture after the pasta has been tossed with the dressing.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Can this salad be taken to a picnic?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
How do I prevent the tomatoes from getting smashed?
Add the tomatoes last and toss them gently to ensure they stay intact.
What kind of onions are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, the salad is tagged as a meal prep friendly dish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Tuna dishes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 ingredients required for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include pasta salad, tuna, linguine, mediterranean, salad, meal prep, cold salad, and healthy.
Does the recipe provide nutritional facts?
The provided information does not include specific calorie or macronutrient counts.
Can I substitute the linguine?
While the recipe specifies linguine, you could likely use other long or short pasta varieties if needed.
Is the preparation difficult?
No, the instructions indicate it is an easy-to-prepare dish.
What makes this a Mediterranean style salad?
The use of olive oil, lemon, Italian herbs, and fresh vegetables gives it a classic Mediterranean profile.