Antipasto Tuna Pasta Salad with Kalamata Olives
Chilled fusilli salad combining canned tuna, roma tomatoes, kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers, capers, and fresh parsley bound with a mayonnaise-dijon dressing. Serve cold as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
- 6 oz fusilli or rotini pasta, uncooked
- 5 oz skipjack wild tuna, canned, undrainedalbacore wild tuna1:1fish
albacore is milder and firmer
- 1 roma tomato, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup cucumber, chopped
- 3 pepperoncini peppers, chopped
- 1 Tbsp capers
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- salt, to taste(optional)
- pepper, to taste(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions.
- 2
Drain pasta and rinse under cold water in colander until cool.
- 3
Set cooled pasta aside in large bowl.
- 4
In a smaller bowl, mix together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- 5
Add tuna with its liquid, tomato, olives, cucumber, pepperoncini peppers, capers, and parsley to the pasta bowl.
- 6
Lightly toss together.
- 7
Add dressing and toss until thoroughly incorporated.
- 8
Top with additional fresh parsley and serve.
Tips
Rinse pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and cool completely before mixing.
Use undrained canned tuna to add moisture to the salad.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days. Dressing may separate; stir before serving.
Prepare through step 4 and store separately. Combine pasta and vegetables up to 4 hours ahead. Add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Serve cold as a main course or side dish. Pairs well with crusty bread and white wine.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the cold rinse of pasta to avoid warm, mushy salad.
Do not overdress to avoid soggy texture; add gradually and toss gently.
Do not prepare more than 2 hours ahead without dressing to avoid watery consistency.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
albacore is milder and firmer