Pasta Salad with Mackerel, Zucchini, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients: 160 g pasta, 1 largest zucchini, 1 clove of garlic, 10 sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil, 150-200 g mackerel in oil, 1 boiled egg, salt, extra-virgin olive oil
In a deep skillet, start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add a finely chopped clove of garlic, which will release its delicate flavors and give a perfect taste to the dish. After a few moments, add the zucchini sliced into thin rounds. Cook the zucchini until it becomes slightly golden and soft, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once it's done, transfer it to a plate and let it cool completely to preserve its texture and nutrition.
Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. Drain the mackerel well from the oil, then flake it with a fork in a bowl, making sure there are no large pieces left. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces, which will add an intense flavor note and a pleasant texture contrast. Also, chop the boiled egg white, which will help create a consistent base for the final composition. Keep the boiled yolk aside to add at the end.
In a separate pot, boil the pasta according to the package instructions, being careful to salt it well but not letting it become too soft or mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain the al dente texture. Let it drain completely.
Now, in a large bowl, combine the flaked fish, cooled zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped egg white. Add the pasta, gently mixing to avoid breaking it. At this stage, add salt and olive oil to taste, ensuring you achieve a homogeneous and flavorful mixture. Finally, crumble the boiled yolk on top of the mixture, adding a touch of elegance and an extra flavor boost.
This recipe represents a delicious combination of ingredients that complement each other, offering both flavor and texture. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a healthy and fresh main course, perfect for a family meal or with friends.
