Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
This refreshing Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on a classic recipe, perfect for a light lunch or snack. Adapted from a hot dish in 'The Little Noodle Cookbook' by Patricia Stapley, this cold version captures the vibrant flavors of Greece with the heartiness of tuna and the zest of fresh lemons. Featuring spiral noodles tossed with a zesty olive oil dressing, briny capers, Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs, it's a quick and easy dish that comes together in no time. Optional toppings like crumbled feta cheese and hard-boiled eggs add richness and protein, making this salad a full meal. Ideal for meal prep or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings, the Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon
2 small (Juiced and cut into wedges)
Spiral noodles
8 ounces (Cooked to al dente)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Used for dressing)
Capers
2 tablespoons (Rinsed and drained)
Kalamata olives
12 (Pitted and coarsely chopped)
Red onion
2 tablespoons (Finely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced)
Tuna
1 (7 ounce) can (Drained (if packed in anything other than olive oil))
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Feta cheese
1/4 cup (Crumbled (optional))
Hard-boiled egg
1 (Chopped (optional))
Salt and pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Start by cooking the spiral noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until they reach al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside, ensuring to reserve a bit of the pasta water if needed for later.
2
2. In a medium bowl, squeeze the juice of one lemon and whisk in the olive oil until combined.
3
3. To the lemon and oil mixture, add the capers, chopped Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onions, minced garlic, and the drained tuna. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tuna mixture, tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5
5. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
6
6. If you’re using crumbled feta cheese or chopped hard-boiled eggs, gently fold them into the pasta mixture or sprinkle them on top.
7
7. Slice the other lemon into thin wedges and arrange them around the edges of the serving platter or bowl for a vibrant presentation.
8
8. Finally, finish off by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley over the salad just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing, cold pasta salad featuring spiral noodles, tuna, and vibrant Greek flavors like lemon, olives, and capers.
Is this recipe served hot or cold?
This recipe is a cold version of a classic dish, making it perfect for a light lunch or snack.
What kind of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of spiral noodles.
How much tuna is needed?
You will need one 7-ounce can of tuna, drained.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
It was adapted from a hot dish found in 'The Little Noodle Cookbook' by Patricia Stapley.
How many lemons do I need?
The recipe requires 2 small lemons; one for juicing and one for cutting into wedges.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil whisked with lemon juice.
What kind of olives are best for this salad?
The recipe specifies 12 Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped.
Are there capers in this recipe?
Yes, the salad includes 2 tablespoons of rinsed and drained capers.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion.
Is garlic included in the Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad?
Yes, it includes one minced garlic clove for added flavor.
What fresh herbs are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley as a garnish.
Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?
Yes, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese is a recommended optional topping.
Is there an optional protein boost for this recipe?
Yes, you can add one chopped hard-boiled egg to make the salad more filling.
How should the noodles be cooked?
Cook the spiral noodles in salted boiling water until they reach an al dente texture.
What should I do if the pasta salad seems too dry?
You can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to the mixture to reach the desired consistency.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together the juice of one lemon and 3 tablespoons of olive oil until combined.
When should I add the parsley?
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad just before serving.
How should I garnish the dish for presentation?
Arrange thin lemon wedges around the edges of the serving platter or bowl.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be stored and served cold.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the optional toppings and seasoning.
What are the primary flavors of this salad?
The salad features zesty lemon, briny capers, savory tuna, and aromatic garlic and herbs.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing dish that is great for gatherings.
How do I season the salad?
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
Is the tuna drained?
Yes, the tuna should be drained, especially if it is not packed in olive oil.
How do I combine the ingredients?
First mix the dressing and aromatics, then toss with the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
Is this a healthy lunch option?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and satisfying dish.
What does 'al dente' mean for the noodles?
It refers to pasta cooked so it is still firm when bitten.
How quickly can I make this?
It is a quick and easy dish that comes together in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, tuna, pasta salad, healthy lunch, easy recipes, and Greek flavors.