Tuna Pesto Pasta | Simple 5 ingredient summer salad using store-bought pesto, bowtie noodles, red onion, a can of tuna, and black olives for a salad with lots of flavor but minimal ingredients.
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Tuna and Pesto - Pantry staples for a 15 minute meal
Tuna and Pesto come together with your choice of pasta shape for a super simple, super delicious quick summer salad that'll be perfect for your summer get-togethers, large or small.
This tuna pesto pasta recipe is an easy make-ahead side dish that is easy to customize. Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil (like I did) for a fresh and herby basil tuna pasta.
Either way, the pesto and tuna make the base of the flavor. Add in extras like sweet cherry tomatoes or chopped bell peppers - or leave it exactly like it is and enjoy this quick and easy, healthy pesto tuna pasta salad.
This recipe is great for a side dish or for a fast weeknight dinner. Add some roasted vegetables and a grilled chicken breast on the side or a big salad and a slice of homemade bread.
Ingredients for this recipe
- Pasta - I used grooved bowties - their texture worked perfectly for adhering to the pesto.
- Tuna - a can of your preferred tuna
- Red onion - I like the bite of very finely diced red onion in this salad
- Olives - use your favorite olives here, my favorite are Kalamata Olives.
- Pesto - a good store-bought alternative to homemade although you could definitely use homemade pesto in this tuna pesto pasta
Expert Tip
Use homemade pesto for even more flavor.
Let's Make a Tuna + Pesto Pasta Salad
- Choose your favorite pasta shape and boil it according to package instructions - usually 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Chop the red onion, open and drain the can of tuna, and prep your olives.
- Mix everything together in a large bowl. Add fresh herbs if you have them. I like adding fresh basil.
- Refrigerate until needed.
More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
- Za'atar Cucumber Salad
- Everything Cucumber Salad
- Couscous Halloumi Salad
- Carrot Black Lentil Salad with Spiced Orange Dressing
Recipes FAQs
I keep this salad in the fridge for 3-4 days and it lasts well. There are no ingredients that will make it soggy, so it should keep well for you also.
Recipe
Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad with Olives
Ingredients
- 1 lb Farfalle pasta, or another small shape cooked to package instructions and cooled
- 1 can tuna drained
- 15 -20 Kalamata olives
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil optional
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup pesto
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs, chopped optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Add pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix.
- Serve or refrigerate until needed.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!