Linguine Tuna Salad
A vibrant tuna pasta salad featuring tangy lemon, green peas, fresh tomatoes, and seasoned tuna, perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or light dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. linguine, broken in half, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ReaLemon lemon juice concentrate ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 12 1/2 oz. can tuna, drained
- 10 oz. package frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ReaLemon lemon juice, vegetable oil, sliced green onion, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix well to create the dressing.
- Add the cooked and drained linguine to the bowl; toss to coat evenly.
- Add the drained tuna, thawed green peas, and chopped tomatoes to the bowl.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or dill instead of dried Italian seasoning. If you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the vegetable oil in the dressing. For a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or switch the Tabasco sauce for a spicier variety. This dish can also be made with whole wheat linguine for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this linguine tuna salad chilled for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside American recipes like Hot 'N Spicy Shrimp Artichoke Dip or Rockdale Clam Chowder. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks, as it's easily transportable and always a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, add a splash of olive oil or a little more lemon juice to keep the pasta from drying out. Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguine Tuna Salad contains roughly 358 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2197mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna if preferred. Just cook it until it’s fully done, then flake it into the salad. Fresh tuna will provide a different texture and taste compared to canned, but it will still be delicious. Make sure to season the fresh tuna well before adding it to the salad.
Is there a gluten-free option for linguine?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice, quinoa, or chickpeas as a substitute for traditional linguine. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will work just as well in this salad, allowing everyone to enjoy this dish without compromising their dietary needs.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the linguine tuna salad more filling, you can add ingredients like diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and healthy fats. Additionally, incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers can add more volume while keeping it light. This way, it becomes a heartier meal without losing its refreshing appeal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).