Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

I absolutely love how bright and refreshing this Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe turns out—it’s like a little Mediterranean vacation in every bite. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want something light but still satisfying, and I find it works wonders for packed lunches, picnics, or even casual dinners with friends.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how well the creamy dressing with Greek yogurt balanced the salty olives and tangy feta. You’ll find that it comes together quickly, making it a great go-to when you’re short on time but want something flavorful and wholesome on the table.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the classic Greek flavors and that perfect salad texture. When shopping, aim for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to make your salad really pop.

• Short Cut Pasta: Fusilli is my go-to because it holds onto the dressing beautifully, but any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
• Canned Tuna: Choose high-quality tuna in olive oil or water, then drain well to keep the salad from getting soggy.
• Baby Plum Tomatoes: Their sweetness balances the salty elements—halving them reveals the juicy inside beautifully.
• Cucumber: Slice and quarter to add crunch and freshness that lighten the dish.
• Kalamata Olives: These dark olives bring that signature briny kick that I just can’t resist.
• Greek Feta: Crumbled fresh feta adds tang and creaminess, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe.
• Red Onion: Finely diced for just a subtle sharpness without stealing the show.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: It makes the dressing creamy yet light and tangy, a fresh alternative to heavy creams.
• Mayo (Full Fat): Adds richness and helps marry the flavors smoothly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A splash brings depth and authentic flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with a zesty punch—freshly squeezed is best.
• Fresh Parsley and Dill: Use them finely diced to add that unmistakable herbaceous note that lifts the whole salad.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity in the dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle warmth without overpowering the salad.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season to your taste to bring all flavors together.

Variations

I love how flexible this Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is—you can tweak it easily to suit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap tuna for chickpeas or white beans for a protein boost without the fish.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to add texture and a nutty flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing if you love a little heat.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Use vegan mayo and omit feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese to keep it creamy.
• Seasonal Switch-Up: In summer, add fresh diced bell peppers or substitute baby plum tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.

How to Make Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Chill the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your short cut pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente—usually about 8 minutes or according to the package instructions. Once drained, rinse it under cold water until completely cool. This step is key because warm pasta can make your dressing congeal and lose its creamy texture, especially if you’re making the salad ahead.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, dill, sugar, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper. I like to give this dressing a good taste before mixing it into the salad to adjust any flavors—it should be tangy, creamy, and just a little bright with herbs.

Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients Gently

In a large bowl, add your chilled pasta, halved tomatoes, quartered cucumber, crumbled feta, halved Kalamata olives, drained tuna, and diced red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together using a spatula or salad tossers until every bite is evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the tuna too much; I like chunks for texture and visual appeal.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can dig in right away if you’re hungry, but I highly recommend covering the salad and chilling it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors marry and really deepen. Plus, the salad tastes wonderfully fresh after a little fridge time.

How to Serve Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad off with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a few extra crumbles of feta on top. Sometimes, I add a few more torn parsley leaves for a fresh green pop. These subtle touches just take it up a notch and impress guests without adding extra effort.

Side Dishes

Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish if you want a heartier meal. For lighter fare, I like crusty bread, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad on the side—keeping things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great success serving this salad in pretty glass jars for picnics or lunchboxes—it keeps well and looks inviting. For dinner parties, plating it atop a bed of fresh baby spinach or arugula with a drizzle of olive oil makes for a colorful, elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, tightly covered to keep it fresh. It holds up well for 3 to 4 days, but I always give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze this salad because the fresh veggies and creamy dressing don’t freeze well—they tend to get watery and separate when thawed. Instead, I recommend making smaller batches if you want to avoid leftovers.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so I just take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before eating. If it feels too chilled, letting it sit briefly brings out the flavors gently without losing any freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Greek-Style Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so effortlessly delicious and versatile. Whether you’re making a quick weekday lunch or entertaining friends on a sunny afternoon, it’s a dish that always gets compliments and leaves everyone satisfied. I truly hope you give it a try and make it your own—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

Print