Lemony Tuna Pasta Salad (Printable Version)

Bright pasta salad with tuna, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and sweet peas. Ready in 25 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or bowties)
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Salad Components

03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
05 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
08 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
09 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste

→ Optional Additions

12 - 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
13 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add frozen peas during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, diced red onion, chopped parsley, dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix evenly to distribute flavors.
03 - Add cooled pasta and peas to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently until everything is well coated.
04 - Fold in capers and cherry tomatoes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
05 - Serve immediately garnished with extra herbs, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you put way more thought into it
  • The leftovers actually get better as the flavors meld overnight
  • You can customize it with whatever herbs or crunchy bits you have on hand
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta until completely cold or it will continue cooking and get mushy
  • The lemon might seem bold at first but it mellows as the salad sits
  • Dont skip the red onion unless you must, it provides essential sharp contrast
03 -
  • Zest your lemon before juicing it, its way easier that way
  • Let the dressed salad sit for 15 minutes before serving if you can
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