Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil Salted Water

   1 min

   Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes depending on your stove.

2. 2

   Cook Farfalle Pasta

   17 min

   Once the water is boiling, add the farfalle pasta and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it.

3. 3

   Prepare Vegetables and Herbs

   14 min

   While the pasta is cooking, take the baby plum tomatoes and rinse them under cool water. Cut each tomato into quarters, slice the green olives, and rinse the fresh basil, tearing the leaves into smaller pieces for better distribution in the salad.

4. 4

   Mix Tomatoes and Basil

   5 min

   In a large salad bowl, combine the quartered tomatoes and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, about 3 tablespoons, and toss everything together gently until well coated with the oil.

5. 5

   Cool Pasta Quickly

   8 min

   Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This step stops the cooking process and helps cool the pasta down quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy.

6. 6

   Combine Pasta with Salad

   3 min

   Add the cooled farfalle pasta to the bowl containing the tomato and basil mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring the pasta is nicely mixed with the vegetables and oil.

7. 7

   Add Olives, Mozzarella, and Tuna

   4 min

   Next, incorporate the sliced green olives, mozzarella balls, and chunks of canned tuna into the salad. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure all components are well distributed throughout the dish.

8. 8

   Let Salad Rest

   1 min

   To allow the flavors to meld beautifully, let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period enhances the overall taste and makes the dish more enjoyable.

9. 9

   Season and Serve

   2 min

   Before serving, taste the salad and season with a generous amount of black pepper to your preference. Drizzle with any remaining olive oil for additional flavor and freshness, then serve cold or at room temperature.

FAQ