Italian · Lunch · Easy
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Total
- 50 min
- Prep
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Calories
- 650
Bow-tie pasta catches juicy tomatoes, tuna, mozzarella and briny olives in a simple olive-oil dressing. Torn basil gives the bowl a fresh finish.
Tomato juices mingle with olive oil to dress Mediterranean Pasta Salad without a heavy sauce. Tuna makes it substantial, and small mozzarella pieces add cool, creamy bites between the pasta folds.
Drain the tuna and cheese well, then let the cooked pasta lose its surface water before tossing. Fold the basil in gently so its leaves stay fragrant rather than bruising into the dressing.
Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook farfalle for , or the package time, until tender with a little bite. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water and drain thoroughly.
Mix cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Fold in pasta, green olives, mozzarella and canned tuna, leaving some larger flakes.
Cover and refrigerate for to let the flavors mingle. Fold in basil just before serving and toss once more to lift the dressing from the bottom.
Forkue tips
- Choose sturdy pasta shapes with folds or ridges so the tomato juices and tuna cling to each forkful.
Storing and reheating
Keep the mediterranean pasta salad refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reserve the basil until serving, and toss with a little olive oil if the pasta has absorbed the dressing.
Kitchen gear
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Mediterranean Pasta Salad: FAQ
Can I leave out the tuna?
Yes, drained canned chickpeas make a useful replacement. Choose cheese made with microbial rennet if making a vegetarian version.
Should I serve it straight from the fridge?
It tastes fuller after a brief rest out of the fridge. Keep the salad chilled until shortly before serving, then toss to redistribute the oil.
How do I store and reheat Mediterranean Pasta Salad?
Keep the mediterranean pasta salad refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reserve the basil until serving, and toss with a little olive oil if the pasta has absorbed the dressing.
How long does Mediterranean Pasta Salad take?
About 50 min in total: 40 min prep and 10 min cooking.
What do I need to make Mediterranean Pasta Salad?
The key ingredients are farfalle, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, green olives and canned tuna, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Mediterranean Pasta Salad?
Choose sturdy pasta shapes with folds or ridges so the tomato juices and tuna cling to each forkful.
