Cold Pasta for Hot Days
Ingredients: 300g pasta (tagliatelle) 3-4 tomatoes 2 cans of tuna 2 mozzarella cheese basil olive oil salt pepper anyone who wants some olives if you like
To prepare a delicious and nutritious pasta salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and tuna, we start by ensuring we have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need 250 grams of pasta, preferably penne or fusilli, 200 grams of fresh tomatoes, 150 grams of mozzarella, 200 grams of canned tuna, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh or dried basil, to taste.
The first step is to prepare the tomatoes and mozzarella. Wash the tomatoes well and cut them into small cubes, making sure to remove the seeds to avoid excess water in the salad. Now, cut the mozzarella into cubes of a similar size to the tomatoes, so that each bite is perfectly balanced. Place these ingredients in a large bowl, where you will mix all the ingredients later.
Sprinkle a little salt over the tomatoes and mozzarella to enhance their flavor and let them release their juices. Add a drizzle of olive oil and gently mix, being careful not to crush the mozzarella cubes.
Now, it’s time to deal with the pasta. Boil water in a large pot, adding a tablespoon of salt to flavor the pasta. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 12 minutes, until al dente. After cooking, drain well and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential to maintain the texture of the pasta.
Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Open the can of tuna, drain the oil or water well, then add the tuna to the bowl. Use a fork to flake it gently, so that there are no large pieces left.
Carefully mix all the ingredients together, so that the tuna, pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella combine perfectly. Now is the time to season the salad to taste. Add freshly ground pepper, another sprinkle of salt, olive oil, and if you like, chopped fresh or dried basil. The basil will add a fresh aroma and a pleasant visual appeal to the dish.
Mix again, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can serve the salad immediately, but it’s even better if you let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, so the flavors can meld. This pasta salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and tuna is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish on a hot summer day. It will surely become a favorite recipe in your home!
