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Quick and easy tuna pasta salad with corn, tomatoes, olives, and red onion
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Tuna Pasta Salad

This easy Tuna Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, tuna, sweet corn, tomato, green olives, and red onion with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Fresh, light, and ready in less than 20 minutes, it is perfect for lunch, picnics, potlucks, or an easy summer meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (200 g)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup green olives, sliced
  • ½ cup canned or cooked corn, drained
  • cup canned tuna, drained
  • 1 small tomato, diced
  • 1 tbsp dried or fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Lemon juice, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Small bowl
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Large spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, or according to package directions, until al dente.
  2. Cool the pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain very well and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Prepare the onion: Place the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl. Add a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Gently massage the onion for a few seconds, then let it sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  4. Prepare the salad: Add the diced tomato, sliced olives, corn, and drained tuna to a large mixing bowl.
  5. Add the onion: Drain or gently squeeze any excess liquid from the softened onion and add it to the bowl.
  6. Combine: Add the cooled pasta, chives, and olive oil. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  7. Season: Taste and add more salt, olive oil, or lemon juice if needed.
  8. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate before serving. Serve chilled, garnished with extra chives, sliced olives, or fresh tomato if desired.

Notes

  • Allow the pasta to cool completely before combining it with the other ingredients.
  • Drain the tuna and corn well so the salad does not become watery.
  • Softening the red onion with lemon juice and salt reduces its sharpness.
  • Add the tuna gently so it does not break apart too much.
  • Taste the salad before serving and adjust the lemon juice, olive oil, and salt as needed.
  • Store leftovers in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For the freshest texture, serve the salad chilled.