Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A light and refreshing salad with pasta, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and tuna. Perfect for a summer lunch or picnic — it comes together quickly, and the flavors develop beautifully over time.

Ingredients

• 350 g Bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
• 200 g Fresh mozzarella balls
• 250 g Cherry tomatoes
• 1 bunch Fresh basil
• 40 g Green olives
• 200 g Tuna (canned or fresh)
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta, stir, and cook for about 10 minutes or according to package directions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool quickly.
3. Meanwhile, rinse the tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Slice the olives into thin pieces. Rinse the basil sprigs.
4. Place the tomatoes in a large salad bowl and tear the basil leaves directly over them. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and toss well.
5. Add the cooled pasta to the tomatoes and basil, and toss. Add the sliced olives, lightly squeezed mozzarella balls, and pieces of tuna. Toss everything thoroughly.
6. Let the salad rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld and develop fully.
7. Before serving, generously season the salad with black pepper and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.