Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (2024)

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Mediterranean tuna pasta is the perfect mash-up of tuna casserole and Nicoise salad. This quick and easy recipe features canned tuna, fresh tomatoes, capers, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and kalamata olives. Makes great leftovers!

By

Elise Bauer

Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated May 08, 2024

6 Ratings

Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (2)

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The "holy grail" of recipe development is creating something that is easy to make, easy on the budget, can be made in 30 minutes, and is drop-dead delicious.

It's a goal to strive for and hard to reach, but this Mediterranean tuna pasta? Wow! I keep making it and eating it, making it and eating it. Today, I only got to make it, because my sweetheart and a friend came over and ate the whole batch!

What Is Mediterranean Tuna Pasta?

Think Nicoise salad meets tuna casserole, and you'll be somewhere in the ballpark of this recipe.

Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (4)

Canned tuna is tossed with chopped tomatoes, olives, red onions, capers, parsley, olive oil and lemon juice, and then tossed again with hot fusilli pasta and shredded mozzarella cheese. The hot pasta melts the cheese into the tuna mixture.

Make it ahead if you wish. If you do, warm it in the microwave before serving.

The Best Tuna for Pasta Salad

For this recipe, we recommend albacore tuna, packed in good quality olive oil. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute water-packed tuna. However, the oil that the tuna has been packed in also adds an extra layer of flavor.

We recommend albacore tuna because it has a better flavor and a firmer, flakier texture.

Save for Later

This recipe makes great leftovers! It’s perfect for a quick lunch at work. It's also a perfect recipe to enjoy for an outdoor picnic. It keeps well in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. Just be sure to warm it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds.

More Easy Recipes to Make with Canned Tuna!

  • Classic Tuna Salad
  • Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Best Ever Tuna Salad Sandwich
  • Pasta with Tuna and Arugula
  • Tuna Macaroni Salad

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time35 mins

Servings4 servings

If you are using a good quality brand of canned tuna, packed in high quality olive oil, there is no need to drain. The oil is highly flavored. If you question the quality of the oil, drain it, and add back the same amount of your preferred olive oil (about 2 tablespoons, as listed in the ingredients).

If you can't find fusilli, substitute another pasta with nooks and crannies like rotini, campanelle, conchiglie, or farfalle.

Ingredients

  • 2 (5-ounce) cans of albacore tuna (preferably packed in olive oil), drained

  • 1tomato, cored, cut in half crosswise and squeezed of excess juice, chopped (about 1cup)

  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped

  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon capers, coarsely chopped

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (more if you are using tuna packed in water)

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper

  • 3/4 pound uncooked fusilli pasta

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Method

  1. Put the pasta water on to boil:

    Heat 2 quarts of salted water (1 tablepoon kosher salt) to a boil. While heating the pasta water, prep the ingredients.

  2. Stir the tuna with tomato, olives, onion, parsley, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper:

    Place drained tuna in a medium bowl. Stir with a fork to break up the largest chunks of tuna. Add the tomato, olives, red onion, parsley, capers, lemon juice, olive oil (if needed), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

    Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (5)

  3. Boil the pasta until al dente:

    When the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and bring back to a boil. Cook, uncovered, at a rolling boil until al dente (cooked through, but still a little firm to the bite), about 6 to 9 minutes more. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

  4. Add the pasta to tuna mixture, sprinkle with cheese:

    Drain the pasta and immediately add the hot pasta to the tuna mixture.

    Sprinkle with the grated Mozzarella cheese and stir until everything is well combined. If the pasta seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water and/or some more olive oil.

    Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (6)

    Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (7)

  5. Serve and enjoy!

    Serve warm as a light lunch or a dinner side.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Pasta Salads
  • Easy Family Dinners
  • Canned Fish
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
598Calories
20g Fat
70g Carbs
34g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories598
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g25%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 44mg15%
Sodium 750mg33%
Total Carbohydrate 70g25%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 34g
Vitamin C 11mg57%
Calcium 215mg17%
Iron 4mg24%
Potassium 541mg12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Double This Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Because It Makes Fantastic Leftovers (2024)

FAQs

How long does tuna pasta last in the fridge? ›

Tuna pasta will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. Can I freeze tuna pasta? You can freeze any leftovers, but if you're doing so, make sure the pasta is cooked al dente because if it's too soft, it will get even softer when frozen.

Can you eat tuna mayo pasta the next day? ›

Stir through the pasta and serve in bowls or pack into containers for work or a picnic. Will keep, covered, in the fridge to eat the next day.

Is pasta tuna mayo good for you? ›

Despite having some mayonnaise in it, the tuna and veggies make for quite a healthy dish! Tuna is incredibly good for you, boasting many health benefits. Another great thing about this tuna sweetcorn pasta salad is how easy it is!

Can you eat cooked tuna pasta cold? ›

A creamy, light Tuna Pasta Salad, perfect for either a quick dinner, a packed lunch or a picnic. Eat it hot or cold, add your favourite additions, and you have the most budget-friendly and delicious classic. Beware though – it's moreish!

Can I reheat tuna pasta twice? ›

Yes, you can. However, as with anything else, only heat up the portion you are going to eat.

Can you eat 5 day old pasta? ›

The Bottom Line is spaghetti or pasta has an average shelf life of 3 to 5 days before it reaches its expiration date. If you attempt to eat this pasta past 5 or 6 days, it can cause you potential food poisoning.

Why should you not eat canned tuna every day? ›

Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

Is tuna pasta ok for weight loss? ›

It's a great source of protein that comes at an affordable cost. It's low in calories and fat yet is jam-packed with nutrients. Each serving of tuna has omega-3s and other various vitamins and minerals, like vitamin D and selenium. These nutrients are part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Can I eat tuna pasta every day? ›

"Tuna also provides some potassium, calcium and choline, so overall, it's a great food to add to your diet," Taub-Dix says. Most people can enjoy it every day, but avoid having it at every meal and be mindful of your overall sodium intake.

Can you freeze cold tuna pasta? ›

yes you can. Make sure it is stone cold first though. Thank you very much, 3 meals of tuna pasta bake coming up! Wasn't sure if you could freeze pasta or cheese sauce actually, I knew someone on here would know!

Can you eat tuna pasta left out overnight? ›

It's not recommended to eat pasta that's been left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F (4°C to 60°C), potentially causing foodborne illness. Safety is key, so it might be best to discard it to avoid any risks. Certainly!

Can you reheat tuna pasta in the microwave? ›

Leftovers and storage

This tuna pasta bake will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. It's best to reheat it in the oven for 5-6 minutes so it retains its crunchy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave. You can freeze this tuna pasta bake for 1-2 months.

Can I eat pasta from 5 days ago? ›

Store-bought, fresh pasta is only good for 1 to 3 days, according to Healthline, while homemade fresh pasta is good for 4 to 5 days. However, once cooked, most pasta spoils in about 3 to 5 days. This includes stuffed pastas like tortellini and ravioli, as well as gluten-free, lentil-based, and bean-based pastas.

Is tuna still good after 3 days in fridge? ›

USDA guidelines state that cooked fish is only good for 3-4 days when refrigerated. Additionally, foodsafety.gov states that the refrigerated shelf life of cold salads (tuna, egg, chicken, etc,) is 3-4 days.

How long does fish pasta last in the fridge? ›

Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

How long is tuna noodle good in fridge? ›

Store your leftover tuna casserole in a shallow, airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave.

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