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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad with Olives

    Published Jun 24, 2021 · Modified: Jan 19, 2022 · by Jacqueline Piper · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links

    77 shares
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    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top and a text overlay for Pinterest
    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top and a text overlay for Pinterest
    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top and a text overlay for Pinterest
    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top and a text overlay for Pinterest

    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.

    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top
    Jump to:
    • Tuna and Pesto - Pantry staples for a 15 minute meal
    • Ingredients for this recipe
    • Recipe Tips
    • More Easy Summer Salad Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Let's Make a Tuna + Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Recipes FAQs

    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 in bowls for tuna pesto pasta salad

    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

    Recipe Tips

    EXPERT TIP: Use homemade pesto for even more flavor.

    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top

    More Easy Summer Salad Recipes

    • Italian Pasta Salad
    • Taco Salad
    • Mexican Inspired Chopped Salad
    • Spinach Salad with Apples

    Recipe

    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top

    Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad with Olives

    Jacqueline Piper
    5 from 1 vote
    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.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 4 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Servings 8

    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)
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    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.

    Notes

    Notes - Use the pasta shape of your choice. 
    Substitutions - Add other vegetables that you like. Try a red pesto.
    Storage - Stores in the fridge for 3-4 days or so.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 12gFat: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used.

    Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
    Keyword easy pasta salad
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    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top

    Let's Make a Tuna + Pesto Pasta Salad

    1. 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.
    2. Chop the red onion, open and drain the can of tuna, and prep your olives.
    3. Mix everything together in a large bowl. Add fresh herbs if you have them. I like adding fresh basil.
    4. Refrigerate until needed.

    Recipes FAQs

    How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?

    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.

    pasta salad in a bowl with olives on top and a text overlay for Pinterest

    More Pasta Recipes

    • The Best Creamy 5 Ingredient One Pot Hummus Pasta
    • Instant Pot Sausage + Pasta
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese
    • Tomato Tortellini Soup with Spinach | 20 Minute Meal
    77 shares

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    Hi, I’m Jacqueline Piper and I’m all about the homemade because I love to make things. From 15 minute meals for your weeknight dinner to more effort for special dinners and desserts on the weekend, I’ll show you how to cook from scratch. We’ll do healthy and we’ll do delicious, everything from kale to chocolate with beautiful, fresh ingredients. Search my recipes for your cravings, because we can make it!

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