Mediterranean Pasta and Tuna Salad (No Mayo Recipe)

Vibrant Mediterranean flavors in a quick and simple Pasta and Tuna Salad. Skip the mayo, and opt for a light and fresh vinaigrette dressing. This healthy pasta salad is loaded with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, but the recipe is customizable with your favorite additions! Tuna adds a quick no-cook protein.

A Vibrant Summery Pasta Salad – with Protein!

This Mediterranean Pasta and Tuna Salad turns a classic summer dish into a full meal.

Tuna is an easy protein source to use when you don’t want to do a lot of cooking. This salad combines fresh veggies with pasta and tuna for a full meal that’s refreshing and cooling for warmer days.

This simple tuna pasta salad recipe is versatile – use whatever veggies you love in pasta salad! We love the combo of cucumber, tomatoes, and olives. It’s refreshing and has great textures and flavors. See my list below for other veggie options!

Tossed in this creamy Greek yogurt vinaigrette, it’s filling and a crowd pleaser. Skip the mayo and miracle whip, this healthy tuna pasta salad is lighter and has more protein.

While we usually serve this cold tuna pasta salad as a main course, it can also be taken to a summer picnic for a healthy side dish.

It comes together fast! Prior to starting to assemble this salad, cook pasta al dente to package directions, and drain pasta Rinse with cool water and set it aside. Then it’s as simple as tossing the pasta together with veggies and quick dressing.

This is a definite upgrade to a classic tuna pasta salad. It’s an easy family dinner you’ll return to again and again!

What You’ll Need

• Pasta (we love this gluten free millet pasta, but use what fits your family’s needs!)
• Canned Albacore Tuna (flaky tuna adds great texture + protein to this pasta salad!)
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Green Olives (or sub your favorite black olives or kalamata olives)
• Cucumbers
• Red Onion
• Fresh Dill

Creamy Vinaigrette Dressing:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Greek Yogurt
• Dried Dill
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice

How to Make a Mediterranean Pasta and Tuna Salad

Step 1: Combine all the dressing ingredients. Use a whisk to combine until smooth and creamy, then set aside.

Step 2: Combine the cooked pasta (cooked al dente, drained, and cooled) with the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.

Step 3: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables, and toss to fully coat the salad. Serve immediately.

How to Store Leftovers

This salad stores wonderfully with the dressing! In fact, it helps keeps the gluten free pasta from drying out the next day.

Once the salad has been tossed together, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a perfect meal prep the whole family will adore.

Tips & Variations

Gluten Free Pasta: If you need to make this gluten free, I suggest using this millet rotini. A rice rotini will also work great but won’t stay as fresh tasting if the salad is kept for a couple of days.

Other Pasta Options: Use a penne pasta, or even a elbow macaroni pasta in place of the rotini pasta. You can also try this Mediterranean Tuna Quinoa Salad for a complete change-up!

Hard-Boiled Eggs: If you love eggs in classic tuna pasta salad, add them in! The great thing about simple recipes like this is that anything goes.

Other Vegetables: A variety of veggies will work well in this versatile creamy tuna pasta salad. Also try:

• Canned artichoke hearts
• Red Bell Pepper or Orange Bell Peppers
• Green Peas (frozen and thawed, or fresh sugar snap peas)
• Herbs, like green onion, Italian parsley, or fresh dill
• Radish
• Carrots
• Broccoli

Other Healthy Tuna Recipes

• Mediterranean Tuna Quinoa Salad
• Gluten Free Tuna Pasta Casserole
• Ahi Poke Bowl

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