It took sitting down and writing this recipe to realize that it's my THIRD pasta salad recipe on the blog... So, I'm an expert right? This Tuna Pasta Salad has all the delicious characteristics an awesome pasta salad should have. It's simple to throw together, incredibly flavorful, and loaded with goodies and texture.
How to make Tuna Pasta Salad
The basis of it is:
- Combine the salad ingredients
- Make the simple dressing
- Toss it all up
A quick note on the ingredients: Though they say "fresh is best," there are exceptions to every rule. This Tuna Pasta Salad strikes a perfect balance between canned and fresh ingredients.
Canned ingredients
Moreover, it calls for three canned ingredients: artichokes, chick peas, and tuna. However, these are three of my best pantry pals, and for good reason.
For starters, canned artichokes add a delightfully briney flavor to most anything they meet. I use them a lot throughout the week because of how flavorful they are.
Next, canned chick peas and tuna serve a similar purpose: add protein without having to cook anything. I love how the tuna breaks apart, causing it to and coat and bind the dressing to the pasta and other goodies.
Fresh ingredients
Despite the three canned ingredients in this Tuna Pasta Salad, it's anything but boring. In fact, fresh juicy tomatoes, sweet crunchy red onion, and bright spicy jalapeno make it an insanely fresh, nutritious meal.
Other Pasta Salads from On the Bias
Recipe
The recipe is below. You can also check out my tutorial on TikTok, where I post recipes and other food-related content and ideas.
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Tuna Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 as a main, 4 as a side 1x
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: Salad Dressing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tuna Pasta Salad is a pantry meal at its finest.
Ingredients
- 6oz pasta (measured dry), cooked and rinsed
- 1 14 oz can of chick peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 Tb olive oil
- ¼ cup of vinegar (nee note 1)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Place the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, vinegars, a large pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed.
Notes
Note 1: PRO TIP- Use 2 types of acidity when making salad dressing. The combination of two types of acid cuts the bitterness and increases the flavor.
Keywords: tuna pasta salad
Stacy says
Love that there is a dressing rather than mayo in this pasta salad. Can't wait to try it
Gianna Nebbia says
Thank you! Yes, I agree, it's nice to change it up a bit. Hope you enjoy!
Carolyn says
What a great idea! I've never thought of using a vinaigrette base for a pasta salad incorporating tuna. I bet it would be delicious with salmon, too!
Gianna Nebbia says
Thank you for the feedback! I might just have to try that idea, I love salmon too.