• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Fork's Tale
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Reviews
  • Projects
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Reviews
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Reviews
    • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Salad

    Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives

    June 22, 2015 Updated: March 3, 2021 By Katie Crenshaw 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives is an easy tuna pasta salad recipe. It makes a lovely side dish or a perfect lunch. #tunapastasalad

    Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives is an easy tuna pasta salad recipe.

    It makes a lovely side dish or a perfect lunch. 

    Cold Tuna Pasta Salad

    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 Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad

    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.

     Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives Recipe

    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!

    Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives

    Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Capers and Olives is an easy tuna pasta salad recipe. It makes a lovely side dish or a perfect lunch. 
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Save Recipe Saved! Rate
    Course: Entree, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 387kcal
    Author: Katie Crenshaw

    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.

    Video

    Notes

    Notes:
    *It is important to use good quality olives and capers. They will make or break this dish.
    **You can substitute rotini for shells, fusilli, or elbow pasta.

    Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.

    Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1.3mg
    Tried this recipe? I want to see it!Mention @aForksTale or tag #aForksTale!
    « Carolina Barbecue Sauce Recipe-Vinegar Based
    Low-Carb Creamy Bruschetta Chicken Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jill

      April 06, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      Pinning this for a lunch recipe to try. I love, love capers and olives - and tuna! Great recipe.

    2. amanda

      July 08, 2015 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This turns out great! I made a big batch for lunch. Love the olives with the tuna.

    Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Katie Crenshaw-A Fork's Tale

    Hi, I'm Katie!

    Thanks for stopping in!! I am a foodie and I LOVE to eat. I am so excited to share my recipes and adventures with you! My recipes are simple and easy for the modern cook.

    More about me →

    Fan Favs

    • Best Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
    • Homemade Cough Syrup-Home Remedy for Cough
    • Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce- Sweet and Tangy BBQ Sauce
    • Baked Burger Sliders-White Castle Burger Copycat

    More Readers Favorites

    What's New

    • Watergate Salad Recipe
    • Southern Potato Salad Recipe
    • Dill Pickle Dip Recipe
    • Baked Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

    All Recipes

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy

    Subscribe

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Katie Crenshaw is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to A Fork's Tale at www.aforkstale.com to Amazon.com.

    creator expertise banner  for a fork's tale

    Copyright © 2020 A Fork's Tale