Italian Pasta Fredda with Tuna and Mozzarella
Cooking Time:
20 mins
Level:
Easy
Italian Pasta Fredda is a simple cold pasta salad that is perfect for warm days. You only need to cook the pasta, then mix it with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, tuna, black olives, basil and olive oil. This is the kind of summer meal that feels light but still satisfying. It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, a picnic, or a meal you prepare ahead of time. This Angelina Studio version keeps the ingredients simple and Mediterranean, with no heavy dressing and no complicated cooking.
Ingredients
- 280 g short pasta, such as farfalle, fusilli or penne
- 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200 g tuna in oil, drained
- 200 g mozzarella, cut into small pieces
- 50 g pitted black olives, sliced
- 10 fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Serves
3–4
Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to the boil. Add the short pasta, such as farfalle, fusilli or penne.
Cook for about 8–10 minutes, or according to the packet instructions, until al dente.
Drain the pasta, then rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking. Let it cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
Prepare the mozzarella
Drain the mozzarella and cut it into small pieces.
If you are using mozzarella pearls, you can leave them whole or cut them in half.
Prepare the tomatoes and olives
Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
Slice the black olives into small pieces or rings.
Add the tuna and basil
Drain the tuna in oil lightly, then break it into smaller pieces with a fork.
Tear or roughly chop the fresh basil leaves.
Mix and serve
Put the cooled pasta into a large bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, black olives, tuna and basil.
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, then add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Mix gently.
Serve cold or at room temperature. You can also chill it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving.