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This No-Mayo Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is easy, quick, and healthy. Recipe is dairy-free and can easy be made gluten-free. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, like olives, tomatoes, parsley, basil, and arugula!

healthy tuna pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, arugula, and herbs

This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is a lighter take on the traditional mayo-filled version!

It’s filled with plenty of fresh veggies (like tomatoes, olives, and arugula), tons of herbs (parsley and basil), and a simple olive-oil based dressing. Plus, it’s ready in just 20-minutes. Quick and healthy – my kind of meal!

As a dietitian, I love pasta salads for packing in a ton of protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich veggies. They’re such an easy way to get in balanced nutrition.

Because pasta salads keep well and are meant to be eaten cold, they make a great option for a make-ahead meal. They’re perfect for packing to work/school, bringing with you on a picnic, or keeping in the fridge for a quick dinner.

healthy tuna pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, arugula, and herbs

How To Make Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad

As I mentioned, this recipe comes together in just 20-minutes!

To start, bring pasta water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. I used penne in this recipe, but feel free to use other small pasta shapes (like fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni).

While the water boils/pasta cooks, get the other ingredients ready. Chop up the olives, cherry tomatoes, and all the fresh herbs. Flake the canned tuna in a bowl, and mix the dressing ingredients together in a small jar.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to a large mixing bowl along with the veggies, herbs, tuna, and a couple handfuls of baby arugula. Toss everything with the salad dressing, and you’re ready to go!

canned tuna, olives, tomatoes, herbs in white bowls

Recipe Modifications

For a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply swap regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta.

If you’re not an arugula fan, feel free to swap it with another leafy green, like baby spinach, kale, or mixed greens.

You can also experiment and add other raw veggies, like chopped bell peppers or cucumbers!

How Long Can You Keep Pasta Salad?

This tuna pasta salad recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s meant to be eaten cold, so there’s no need to reheat it!

canned tuna pasta salad with arugula, tomatoes, and olives

Canned Tuna Nutrition Facts

One of my favourite easy protein sources is canned tuna! It’s so convenient to keep in the pantry to throw into meals like this pasta salad.

Tuna is an awesome source of:

  • complete protein, with a standard 3 oz (85 gram) serving of tuna provides about 22 grams
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • micronutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and some iron.

Choosing canned LIGHT tuna (or “skipjack”) also ensures a lower mercury content than albacore (or “white” tuna).

healthy tuna pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, arugula, and herbs

More Seafood Pasta Recipes

Did you give this Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad a try? Let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below!

If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Pinterest – seeing your creations always makes my day. You can also subscribe to my email list to never miss a new recipe or nutrition education post!

Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad

This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is easy, fast, and healthy. Made without mayo and ready in 20-minutes! Perfect for a make-ahead meal.
Recipe is dairy-free and can be gluten-free if using gluten-free pasta.
healthy tuna pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, arugula, and herbs
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4.89 from 9 votes
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups penne pasta, dry
  • Approx. 240 grams canned light tuna, drained (about 8.5 oz)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 2/3 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1-2 handfuls baby arugula

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 a lemon, juiced
  • 2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp liquid honey
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
  • While the water boils/pasta cooks, prepare other ingredients. Slice tomatoes and olives, roughly chop parsley and basil, and flake canned tuna with a fork. Set aside.
  • Mix all dressing ingredients into a small jar with a lid. Shake and adjust seasonings as desired.
  • Drain pasta and place in a large mixing bowl. Add all prepped ingredients along with a handful or two of baby arugula. Pour dressing over top, and toss everything well.
  • Serve pasta salad with freshly ground pepper and any other seasonings (as desired). Can be enjoyed immediately or kept in the fridge for later!

Notes

*While I used penne for this recipe, feel free to use another small pasta shape (like fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni.
*Recipe will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Tastes great cold!
*For a gluten-free option, be sure to choose a gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

As a dietitian, I create recipes with whole food ingredients that provide the nutrients needed for optimal health. My nutrition philosophy does not focus on numbers; however, I understand that this information can be helpful.

Do note that the nutrition info provided is an estimate and I cannot guarantee correctness of the displayed values. These numbers will differ depending on brands used, recipe modifications, and amount eaten. If you require specific nutrition information due to medical reasons, please consult with your dietitian or physician.

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know by leaving a recipe rating below, or by tagging @walderwellness on Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations!

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.