Cold Pasta with Tomatoes and Tuna

Here is a simple and tasty recipe for cold pasta with tomatoes and tuna, perfect for the warmer months or for a light lunch. The preparation is very quick and you will only need a few fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

• 320 g of short pasta (penne, farfalle, fusilli, or another preferred type)
• 200 g of canned tuna in oil, drained
• 250 g of cherry tomatoes
• 60 g of pitted black olives
• A handful of fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)

Preparation

1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until al dente.
2. In the meantime, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half or into quarters, depending on your preference.
3. Drain the tuna and roughly flake it with a fork.
4. Slice the black olives into rounds or leave them whole if you prefer.
5. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and cool it under running water to stop the cooking process and keep it fresh.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tuna, cut tomatoes, olives, and hand-torn basil.
8. Dress with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can also squeeze in some lemon juice.
9. Gently mix the ingredients to evenly distribute the dressing.
10. Place the pasta in the refrigerator for at least half an hour before serving so that the flavors meld well together.

Curiosity

Cold pasta is an ideal dish for summer days or outdoor picnics because it can be prepared in advance and taken with you. Tuna and tomatoes are a classic combination in Mediterranean cuisine, providing a perfect balance of flavors. Additionally, you can personalize this pasta salad with other ingredients, such as chives, capers, or bell peppers to further enrich the dish.