Pasta salad

Pasta Salad - a Quick and Versatile Recipe

When you feel like the day has been long and cooking seems like a challenge, a pasta salad is the perfect solution! This recipe is not only simple and quick but also incredibly tasty and nutritious. The pasta salad is a burst of colors and flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious dish that can be served for dinner or as a lunch option for the office. Plus, it’s a recipe that easily adapts to everyone’s preferences, so let’s get started!

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250-300 g fusilli pasta
- 200 g mozzarella
- 2-3 cans of tuna in oil (80 g each)
- A bunch of fresh basil leaves
- 3 medium tomatoes
- A handful of black olives
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

The Story Behind the Recipe
Pasta salad has its roots in Mediterranean tradition, where fresh ingredients and rich flavors make all the difference. This recipe has evolved over time, becoming popular worldwide due to its versatility. Whether you choose to serve it with friends at a party or whip it up quickly after a long day at work, pasta salad is always an inspired choice.

Step by Step to a Perfect Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta: Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the fusilli pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-10 minutes, until al dente. If you prefer it softer, leave it a few minutes longer.

2. Drain and rinse the pasta: Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander, but don’t stop there! Quickly rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and maintain a pleasant texture. Let it drain well.

3. Prepare the fresh ingredients: While the pasta cools, you can tackle the other ingredients. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes so that it easily integrates into the salad. The tomatoes can be sliced or diced, depending on your preference. Drain the tuna from the cans, remove the oil, and flake it with a fork. The fresh basil should be finely chopped to release its flavors.

4. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained pasta, mozzarella cubes, tomatoes, tuna, basil, and olives. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid breaking the pasta.

5. Season: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Mix again to ensure all ingredients are well coated.

6. Serving: For an elegant touch, you can serve the pasta salad in a large bowl, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves on top. This will add an extra pop of color and flavor.

Helpful Tip: If you want to make the salad even more nutritious, you can add sliced hard-boiled eggs or canned corn. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add extra nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits
This pasta salad is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which help maintain energy, while the tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and basil adds not only flavor but also anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Pasta salad is very versatile. You can use penne, farfalle, or even whole grain pasta, depending on your preferences.

- What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to experiment with green olives, red bell peppers, or pickled peppers, and for a crunchy note, nuts or seeds can be a great choice.

- Is pasta salad suitable for a festive meal?
Definitely! You can customize it with festive ingredients like shrimp or feta cheese for a special dish.

Pair the pasta salad with a cold lemonade or a glass of dry white wine for the perfect meal. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled dishes or for a tapas night.

Enjoy every bite of this pasta salad and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! This recipe will not only tantalize your taste buds but also help you savor the simple moments in life. Bon appétit!