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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful lunch made from pantry staples, this easy tuna pasta salad is a great go-to.
Made with tender pasta, tuna, and a spoonful of olive tapenade, it comes together in minutes and delivers big, savory flavor with very little effort.
It’s the kind of simple recipe that’s perfect for using what you have on hand—and one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- WW-Friendly Notes
- How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad
- Tips for Best Results
- Easy Variations
- What to Serve with Tuna Pasta Salad
- What to Do with Leftovers
- Easy Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Tapenade Recipe
- FAQs About Tuna Pasta Salad
- More Easy Tuna Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Full of bold, savory flavor
- Great for lunch or light dinner
- Delicious warm, room temp, or chilled
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked pasta (farfalle or similar) – Short pasta works best for holding the sauce. Use leftover pasta or cook fresh.
- Canned tuna – Tuna packed in olive oil adds the most flavor. Water-packed tuna works for a lighter option.
- Olive tapenade – The key flavor ingredient. Black olive tapenade is classic, but green olive or sun-dried tomato versions work well too.
- Fresh herbs – Mint, parsley, chives, or any combination add brightness and freshness.
WW-Friendly Notes
According to my calculations, each serving has 298 calories and 7 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)
(Using tuna packed in water can help reduce points slightly.)
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: If you are using uncooked pasta, bring 2 quarts water to a boil and cook the noodles for about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain and place in a large mixing bowl (affiliate link).
Step 3: Stir in tuna, tapenade and herbs, mixing thoroughly.
Step 4: Serve immediately, or cool and serve cold or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the salad sit briefly so the flavors soak into the pasta
- Use good-quality tapenade—it makes a big difference
- Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it just tender
Easy Variations
- Switch the Protein
Try canned salmon or even chickpeas for a different twist. - Add Vegetables
Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or spinach add freshness and color. - Make It Brighter
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. - Add Crunch
Top with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
What to Serve with Tuna Pasta Salad
This simple salad pairs nicely with:
- A bed of fresh greens
- Crusty bread or baguette slices
- A light soup for a more complete meal
What to Do with Leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can enjoy it:
- Cold straight from the fridge
- At room temperature
- Lightly warmed (surprisingly delicious!)
If you’ve made this Tuna Tapenade Pasta Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Tapenade
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cooked farfalle pasta
- 1 can (6 ounces) tuna in olive oil
- 2 tablespoons prepared olive tapenade
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint, parsley, chives or combination
Instructions
- If you are using uncooked pasta, bring 2 quarts water to a boil and cook the noodles for according to the package instructions (usually about 10 to 12 minutes or until tender). Drain and place in a large mixing bowl (affiliate link).
- Stir in tuna, tapenade and herbs, mixing thoroughly.
- Serve immediately or cool and serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 7 PointsPlus (Old plan) If you can, let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes so the tuna and tapenade sink into the pasta. No leftover pasta to start with? The herbs can be chopped and the rest of the dish made ready to mix while the noodles are boiling. Use plenty of water to boil the noodles to remove any excess starch. It is usually marked on the package however if it’s not, use a filled medium-sized pot to cook them.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQs About Tuna Pasta Salad
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—it actually tastes better after sitting for a bit.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like farfalle, penne, or rotini hold the sauce well.
Do I need extra dressing?
No—the olive oil from the tuna and the tapenade provide plenty of flavor and moisture.
More Easy Tuna Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy simple recipes like this, you might also like:
