Tangy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna & Za'atar and Feta
A vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad combining flaky tuna, crisp veggies, and a zesty lemon-za'atar dressing. Perfect for make-ahead meals or portable feasts, with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons za'atar seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus 1 tbsp for boiling water)
- 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 10-12 ounces tuna in water, well-drained
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped English cucumber
- 1/4 cup pitted olives
- Optional: 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Bring 4-6 quarts of water to boil. Add 1 tbsp salt and cook pasta until al dente, 8-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, za'atar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Add cooked pasta, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and tuna to a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with crumbled feta if using.
Notes
Substitute pasta: Gemelli, rotini, or penne work well
Mellow raw onion by soaking in ice water 5 minutes
Use apple cider vinegar instead of wine vinegar for non-alcoholic version
Dress salad up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
Add chopped parsley for extra freshness
Mellow raw onion by soaking in ice water 5 minutes
Use apple cider vinegar instead of wine vinegar for non-alcoholic version
Dress salad up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
Add chopped parsley for extra freshness
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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