Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad
A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring canned tuna, crisp vegetables, and a bright lemon-herb dressing—perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, (5 oz) can, drained tuna in olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 (5 oz) can, drained tuna in olive oil
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp dried oregano until emulsified.
- Step 3: Add drained penne, 1 (5 oz) can drained tuna, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients in the dressing.
- Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and serve cold.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Tuna & Lemon-Herb Pasta Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
