Marissa's MediterraneanBright and briny Italian pasta salad tossed with flaky tuna, cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing—ideal for quick lunchboxes or picnic lunches that stay fresh all day.
Chop the parsley.
Use flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Thinly slice the red onion and place in a bowl of cold water to mellow the bite.
This quick soak makes the onions crisp and less pungent.
Drain the tuna and flake it with a fork.
Mince the garlic.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Rinsing stops the cooking and prevents sticking for the perfect cold salad texture.
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from the 2 lemons, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooled pasta, tuna, tomatoes, olives, capers, drained onions, and parsley to the bowl. Toss everything to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust lemon or seasoning—should be bright and punchy!
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving (optional but recommended).
This no-fuss salad is a lunchbox hero—prep it ahead and it tastes even better after chilling overnight. For a veggie twist, swap tuna for white beans. Pairs perfectly with crusty bread and extra lemon wedges.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.
Marissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chefMarissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chef