Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Authentic Italian Mediterranean Pasta Salad — a delicious seafood dish with 9 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.
15
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
280
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 200 g mozzarella balls
- 250 g baby plum tomatoes
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 350 g farfalle
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 40 g Green Olives
- 200 g tuna
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
8 steps · ~42 minutes total
Step 1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Step 2
Add the pasta, stir once and cook for about 10 minutes or as directed on the packet.
8 minutesStep 3
Meanwhile, wash the tomatoes and cut into quarters. Slice the olives. Wash the basil.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 4
Put the tomatoes into a salad bowl and tear the basil leaves over them. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and mix.
3 minutesStep 5
When the pasta is ready, drain into a colander and run cold water over it to cool it quickly.
3 minutesSave some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.Step 6
Toss the pasta into the salad bowl with the tomatoes and basil.
3 minutesStep 7
Add the sliced olives, drained mozzarella balls, and chunks of tuna. Mix well and let the salad rest for at least half an hour to allow the flavours to mingle.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 8
Sprinkle the pasta with a generous grind of black pepper and drizzle with the remaining olive oil just before serving.
5 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine, originating in Italy. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.
This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
For Mediterranean Pasta Salad, short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best, as they hold onto the dressing and mix well with the ingredients.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
