This tuna pasta salad adds capers and black olives for a delicious Mediterranean twist!
It makes a lovely side dish or a perfect lunch.

I don't make this cold tuna pasta salad often, because when I do, I can't control myself.
It is soooo good that I keep eating and eating it. It is a perfect side dish to your summer dinner parties, or it can stand alone as a meal.
Either way, if you make this, you will be going for seconds!
Mediterranean tuna pasta salad video

Ingredients
For this Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Rotini Pasta- you can substitute for shells, fusilli, or elbow
- Onion- red, white, or yellow
- Canned Tuna, drained- I prefer the tuna packed in olive oil
- Non-pareil Capers
- Boiled Eggs
- Kalamata Olives
- Mayonnaise- do not use low fat
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Use Non-Pareil Capers
It is important to use good quality olives and capers. They will make or break this dish.
I like the tiny Mezzetta non-pareil capers.
They are easily found at all of my local grocery stores.
It is a matter of personal preference, but I have found some very strong, larger capers that have been too overpowering and have ruined my dishes.
I also slice the olives in half so they don't take over the dish.
What are non-pareil capers, you might ask? Non-pareil capers are the smallest of capers that are the best in flavor and texture.
They have the perfect balance of acidity and salt. The larger sizes can be more tart and tough.
What is the difference between rotini and fusilli Pasta?
For this salad, I use rotini pasta. Rotini pasta is perfect because all the little chunks of onion, egg, capers, olives, and tuna get trapped in the spirals.
This ensures every bite is full of delicious flavor. However you can substitute pasta shells, or fusilli if you would rather.
Both of those pastas would accomplish the same effect.
Rotini and fusilli pasta look very similar. Often times they can be mislabeled at the grocery stores.
Fusilli is made as hollow tubes of pasta that are twisted into springs or corkscrews.
Rotini is a flat pasta that is twisted. I prefer rotini because of its texture.

How long does tuna pasta salad last?
If you store the tuna pasta in an air sealed container, the tuna pasta salad will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
It is perfect to make for busy weekdays because you can make it in advance and pull it out when you are ready to eat.
It is also great for parties and cookouts, because you can make it ahead of time.
What can you serve with pasta salad?
This pasta salad is great by itself. However, if you are looking for some side ideas to go with it try melon, cantaloupe, fruit salad, soup, finger sandwiches, vegetables, or a vegetable salad.
Like this recipe? Then you are sure to like these also! Check out the following:
- Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Mediterranean Beet Salad
- Marinated Olives and Cheese Ring
- Greek Black Eye Pea Salad
- Spanish Orzo Salad
Please leave me a comment below if you make this tuna pasta salad, tell me what you thought about it. I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.
Also post your picture of your pasta on Instagram or Facebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags! I will share with my followers! xoxo!
Recipe

Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 6.8 oz canned tuna drained
- 2.2 oz capers non-pareil
- 3 eggs chopped
- 5 oz kalamata olives cut in half
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to directions.
- Rinse and cool noodles.
- Add 1 cup chopped onion, 6.8oz canned tuna drained, 2.2oz capers drained, 3 chopped boiled eggs, 5oz kalamata olives sliced in half, ¾ cup mayonnaise, and salt and pepper to taste.
- I like to add in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper, but you can omit this if you do not like spicy food.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving.
amanda
Yum! This turns out great! I made a big batch for lunch. Love the olives with the tuna.
Jill
Pinning this for a lunch recipe to try. I love, love capers and olives - and tuna! Great recipe.
Amanda Dixon
This pasta salad is my new favorite. The mayonnaise adds the perfect creaminess, and I love the tangy flavor from the capers and olives. Definitely will be bringing this to many barbecues this spring and summer!
Sharon
This pasta salad was so easy to whip up and the leftovers for lunch the next day were even better.
Jacqueline Debono
This tuna pasta salad is my new favourite work lunch recipe. I can make it once but eat twice or even three times.
Elizabeth
This pasta dish sounds wonderful! A great meal to make for meatless Fridays! Thanks for the recipe share!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
The olives and capers add so much more flavor and are a wonderful addition to the tuna. Love this to make ahead for weekday lunch.
Claire
I love an easy, make-ahead lunch that I can pull out at a moment's notice on a busy work day and this tuna pasta salad sounds like just the thing! Definitely pinning this for later.
Kristina Tipps
This recipe makes a great tuna salad. It's very flavorful and i added more red pepper flakes for an extra spicy meal.
Maddy
This was a great salad but I left out the capers and used plain greek yogurt instead of mayo and it was delicious!
Jenny
That is such an easy, delicious salad. Being Greek, I am particular about anything Mediterranean. So I had a pleasant surprise when I stumbled upon your fab recipe. Wow! It tastes fantastic and looks great too! Thanks, I will make it again!
Tristin
You were right about not being able to stop eating it, lol. Such a great pasta salad, love the capers and olives!