The Campanelle Tuna & Artichoke Salad is a celebration of bold Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This recipe brings together the delicate curls of campanelle pasta with rich tuna, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny capers all tied together by fragrant herbs like thyme and parsley.
Perfect for a light dinner or a refreshing lunch, this dish is quick to prepare and extremely versatile. Serve it warm for cozy evenings or chilled for sunny afternoons. Whether you’re entertaining guests or prepping a make-ahead meal, this pasta salad promises to impress with both taste and simplicity.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound campanelle pasta
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1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
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1 small or 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (6-ounce) can Italian tuna in oil, drained
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
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8 ounces frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and quartered
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2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
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1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add campanelle pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
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In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped red onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Add drained tuna and gently break it up with a fork.
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Stir in cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, and thyme. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes begin to soften.
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Add the cooked pasta, remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, and chopped parsley. Toss to coat all ingredients, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture.
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Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 16 minutes | Total Time: 26 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 490 kcal per serving | Servings: 4–6
A Mediterranean Marvel: Why Campanelle Tuna & Artichoke Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table
In a world full of quick fixes and fast food, few things match the soul-soothing comfort of a thoughtfully prepared pasta salad. Among the many interpretations out there, the Campanelle Tuna & Artichoke Salad a signature recipe by the celebrated Giada De Laurentiis stands out for its wholesome ingredients, bold Mediterranean flair, and simple yet elegant execution. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and freshness. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing lunch, an impressive dish for guests, or a new meal prep go-to, this salad effortlessly delivers.
The Mediterranean Influence
At its core, this dish draws from the timeless principles of the Mediterranean diet, known for being heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory, and rich in nutrients. This diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, seafood, and herbs a philosophy that this recipe embodies beautifully.
Campanelle, a delicate pasta shaped like small bells or fluted cones, serves as the perfect canvas. It catches bits of herbs, vegetables, and oil in every fold, creating a flavor-packed bite each time. The salad incorporates flaky Italian tuna packed in oil, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny capers, earthy artichoke hearts, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The resulting combination is colorful, aromatic, and nutritionally robust.
A Harmony of Flavors and Textures
What sets this salad apart is how it masterfully balances flavor and texture. The pasta offers a satisfying chew, while the tuna brings in a rich umami depth. Cherry tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness, offset by the tang of capers and the tender, fibrous bite of artichoke hearts. The fresh herbs bring brightness, and the olive oil ties it all together with a luxurious, peppery finish.
Unlike many traditional pasta salads that are heavy with mayo or cream-based dressings, this one stays light and refreshing, allowing the natural flavors of each ingredient to shine through. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without weighing you down.
Ideal for Any Season and Occasion
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility across seasons. Serve it warm during colder months, and it becomes a cozy, comforting meal. Serve it chilled in summer, and it transforms into a refreshing, satisfying lunch or picnic staple. This duality makes it a rare gem in the world of pasta salads.
It’s also extremely entertaining-friendly. Hosting a brunch, lunch, or light dinner? This salad makes an elegant centerpiece. Need something to pack for work or a road trip? It holds up beautifully in the fridge and doesn’t require reheating. For potlucks or picnics, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that doesn’t lose its charm at room temperature.
Nutritious Without Compromise
In addition to being delicious, the Campanelle Tuna & Artichoke Salad is loaded with nutritional benefits. The tuna provides lean protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3s, which are essential for brain and heart health. The artichokes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Cherry tomatoes offer antioxidants like lycopene, known for their role in reducing inflammation and supporting skin health.
Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is another nutritional powerhouse rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that contribute to cardiovascular wellness. The fresh herbs are not only flavorful but are packed with micronutrients and immune-boosting properties.
All of these components combine to create a balanced meal that delivers protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of vitamins and minerals, without relying on processed ingredients or artificial additives.
Meal Prep Magic
Another major advantage? This salad is a meal prep superstar. It stores well in the fridge for several days, and some say it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to mingle. If you’re juggling a busy schedule, this is a recipe you can make ahead on a Sunday and enjoy throughout the week no fuss required.
You can divide it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches, serve it cold from the fridge, or quickly warm it in the microwave. Since it doesn’t rely on creamy dressings, there’s no risk of separation or sogginess.
Customization and Ingredient Swaps
The beauty of this salad is its adaptability. While it’s already wonderfully composed, there’s ample room for creativity based on your preferences or pantry availability:
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Tuna alternatives: Try canned salmon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a plant-based twist.
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Pasta variations: While campanelle is ideal, fusilli, farfalle, or penne work just as well to catch all the juicy bits.
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Vegetable swaps: Roasted red peppers, olives, or steamed green beans can add new layers of flavor and texture.
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Herb remix: Substitute thyme and parsley with basil, dill, or mint for a completely different aroma profile.
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Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice can brighten up the dish even more.
These substitutions allow the dish to stay fresh and exciting even when made frequently a true asset for any go-to recipe.
A Smart Option for Entertaining
Need to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen? This salad delivers sophistication with minimal effort. Serve it in a large shallow bowl and garnish with extra fresh herbs or grated Parmesan for visual appeal. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, crusty bread, and perhaps a light dessert, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality meal at home.
It also fits beautifully into theme-based dinners. From Italian nights to Mediterranean mezze spreads, it complements charcuterie boards, antipasti, and other shared plates. It’s flavorful enough to be the main event, but balanced enough to pair well with other dishes.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Worried about picky eaters? This salad is a great way to introduce kids and hesitant eaters to more complex flavors like capers and artichokes. The colorful, approachable presentation and familiar pasta shape make it more inviting, and the subtle richness from the tuna and olive oil appeals to a wide range of palates.
For family dinners, it’s a stress-free dish that everyone can enjoy, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The Campanelle Tuna & Artichoke Pasta Salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that ticks all the boxes: easy to prepare, customizable, travel-friendly, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a healthy work lunch, a dish to share at gatherings, or a dependable dinner for busy weeknights, this salad is a reliable winner.
Its Mediterranean roots bring sunshine to your plate, while the thoughtful combination of textures and ingredients provides satisfaction with every bite. It respects tradition while leaving space for creativity, making it a modern staple for anyone who loves good food made simply.
Add it to your repertoire and watch it become a recurring favorite in your kitchen no matter the season, occasion, or appetite.