Let’s be honest—most cold pasta salads are either drowning in dressing or so bland they taste like regret. But not this one. This Classic Italian Pasta Salad brings bold flavors and just the right amount of crunch, thanks to golden-crisp roasted tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh zucchini. It’s the perfect balance of light yet satisfying, ideal for those days when turning on the oven sounds like a personal attack.
I first made this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad for a summer picnic, thinking I’d have leftovers. Spoiler alert: I did not. Between the crispy tomatoes, flaky tuna, and herb-kissed olive oil dressing, people were practically fighting over the last bite. Whether you need a cold pasta salad for a crowd or just an easy meal-prep lunch that doesn’t taste like an afterthought, this one’s a winner.
And the best part? It’s simple, fresh, and ridiculously good—even without a gallon of bottled Italian dressing.
Chilled Tuna Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Mandoline (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups short pasta penne, fusilli, or similar
- 40 cherry tomatoes halved
- 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 5 tablespoons grated Pecorino cheese
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 small zucchini
- ⅓ cup pitted black olives
- 8 ounces canned tuna in olive oil drained and flaked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl with breadcrumbs, Pecorino cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Press the cut side of each tomato into the mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cut side up. Roast for 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.40 cherry tomatoes, 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs, 5 tablespoons grated Pecorino cheese, 1 garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, Black pepper
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with olive oil.2 cups short pasta, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Prepare the Veggies and Tuna: Thinly slice the zucchini using a knife or mandoline, then cut into half-moons to ensure even bites. Add the zucchini, olives, and drained, flaked tuna to the pasta.1 small zucchini, ⅓ cup pitted black olives, 8 ounces canned tuna in olive oil
- Assemble the Dish: Gently fold in the roasted cherry tomatoes last to preserve their crispy texture. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, then taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Serve immediately or let it rest for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, Salt
Chilled Tuna Pasta: Because Not All Pasta Salads Deserve to Be Forgotten in the Fridge
Alright, so you’re making Chilled Tuna Pasta, and you want it to be the kind of dish people actually remember—not just something they politely push around their plate at a BBQ. I’ve made this a hundred times, so let me save you from potential pasta salad disasters with these tips, tricks, and sneaky little swaps.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Chilled Tuna Pasta
🍝 Choose Your Pasta Wisely (Because No One Likes a Soggy Mess)
Not all pasta shapes are created equal. Avoid anything too delicate (angel hair is NOT invited to this party) and stick with sturdy short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. They hold the dressing better and won’t turn into a sad, mushy lump after sitting in the fridge.
🐟 The Tuna: Step Away from the Dry, Sad Cans
Listen, if you’re using watery, flavorless tuna, you’re doing it wrong. Oil-packed tuna is the way to go—trust me, the richness makes all the difference. And if you can splurge on the fancy imported stuff? Do it. Your taste buds will thank you.
🍅 The Secret Weapon: Roasted Tomatoes
Most cold pasta salads just throw in raw tomatoes and call it a day. But you? You’re better than that. Roasting the cherry tomatoes with breadcrumbs, garlic, and Pecorino gives them a golden-crisp bite and intensifies their flavor. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
🥒 Zucchini, But Make It Thin
Raw zucchini can be a little…meh. But if you slice it paper-thin (a mandoline is your best friend here), it adds freshness and crunch without tasting like you accidentally dropped some salad into your pasta.
🫒 Olives: The Salty Little Flavor Bombs
Don’t like olives? First, who hurt you? Second, swap them for capers or sun-dried tomatoes—both give that same salty, briny punch.
🛢 Olive Oil > Store-Bought Dressing
This pasta doesn’t need a gallon of bottled Italian dressing to taste good. A generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil + a little lemon juice or red wine vinegar = all the dressing you need.
⏳ Let It Rest (If You Can Wait That Long)
Yes, you can eat this right away, but if you let it sit for 30 minutes, the flavors meld together into something even better. Good luck resisting.
🌿 Bonus Flavor Boost: Fresh Herbs
Fresh thyme is great, but if you have basil or parsley, throw some in. It’ll make you feel like you’re eating this in a little seaside café in Italy instead of standing at your kitchen counter in sweatpants.
Ingredient Swaps (Because Flexibility = Happiness)
✅ No Pecorino? Use Parmesan, or skip the cheese if you want it dairy-free.
✅ No tuna? Try grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken.
✅ No breadcrumbs? Crushed croutons or toasted panko will work.
✅ No patience for roasting tomatoes? Use sun-dried tomatoes for that concentrated flavor.
✅ Want it creamy? Mix in a spoonful of ricotta or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Now go make this, and enjoy the moment when someone asks, “Wait, YOU made this?!” 😏
