Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Ingredients: -2 large tomatoes -200g tuna in oil -250g cherry mozzarella -salt -pepper -300g short pasta -20 pieces of fresh basil leaves -3 tablespoons of olive oil
We start the culinary adventure by preparing the pasta. We take a large pot and fill it with water, adding a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. We bring the water to a boil and add the pasta, following the instructions on the package. It is essential to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. We let the pasta boil until it becomes al dente, meaning it has a firm but pleasant texture that holds up to a bite.
While the pasta is boiling, we take care of the delicious sauce. We take fresh tomatoes, wash them well under a stream of cold water, and then cut them into medium cubes. It is important to choose ripe and juicy tomatoes, as they will add a special flavor to the dish. After cutting the tomatoes, we turn our attention to a large bowl. Here we add the oil from the tuna, which will bring a subtle flavor, and then the 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, known for its nutritional benefits.
We add the chopped tomatoes to the bowl, along with fresh basil leaves, which we tear by hand to release the essential oils. We carefully mix the ingredients, being careful not to crush the tomatoes, allowing the flavors to combine and develop while the pasta continues to boil.
Once the pasta is ready, we drain it using a colander, removing all the water. Then, we quickly rinse it under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain the perfect texture. Now, it's time to combine all the ingredients. We throw the cooked pasta over the tomato mixture, add the drained tuna, cut into pieces, and the mozzarella cut into cubes, which will add a delicious creaminess to the dish.
We season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything with a spatula, ensuring that each piece of pasta is well coated with the sauce. We let the dish sit at room temperature for a maximum of 20 minutes, so the flavors can blend harmoniously.
This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or as a quick snack, perfect for a family meal or with friends. It is served with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
