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Easy Zesty Italian Tuna Pasta Salad

This Zesty Italian Tuna Pasta Salad is a fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer picnics, easy weeknight dinners, or potlucks. It combines tender pasta, savory tuna, bright vegetables, tangy dressing, and pops of cheese.
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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Potluck, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • Short pasta like Fusilli, orecchiette, penne, or rotini
  • Canned tuna packed in olive oil, drained well
  • Cherry tomatoes halved
  • Red bell pepper diced
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced or julienned
  • Pitted black olives sliced
  • Stuffed green olives pimento-stuffed, sliced
  • Bocconcini small fresh mozzarella balls or chopped fresh mozzarella
  • Salt for pasta water
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Oil from sun-dried tomatoes or extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste, for dressing

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Serving Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fork
  • Spoons

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together the dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the 3 tablespoons of oil (sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil) and the 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Whisk until combined. Taste and add salt if needed.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
  3. Step 3: Add your chosen pasta shape and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than suggested).
  4. Step 4: While the pasta cooks, get your big serving bowl ready. Open the canned tuna, drain it, and add it to the bowl, breaking it up with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced stuffed green olives, and the bocconcini (or chopped fresh mozzarella) to the bowl with the tuna.
  6. Step 6: Drain the pasta well. Add the pasta to the serving bowl while it's still warm to help it absorb the dressing better.
  7. Step 7: Pour the prepared zesty dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.
  8. Step 8: Use two spoons to gently toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients are coated in dressing and well-distributed.
  9. Step 9: Serve immediately while still warm, or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or longer) for flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness. Salt your pasta water generously. Adding the dressing while the pasta is warm helps it soak up flavor. Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to deepen. Adjust seasoning (oil, vinegar, salt) before serving if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. You might need to add a drizzle of extra olive oil or vinegar before serving leftovers if it seems dry.