If you’re looking for an easy, quick, and flavorful dish, this Cold Pasta Salad with Tuna, Cherry Tomatoes, and Mozzarella is the perfect recipe for you!
But how do you make a good cold pasta salad?
To prepare a delicious cold pasta salad, cook the fusilli and let them cool. Combine drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and dress with mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, and basil. Mix well and let it rest in the fridge before serving.
The cold pasta with tuna, mozzarella, and tomato is a mix of Mediterranean flavors that conquers at first bite.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, mozzarella, tuna in oil, and an aromatic touch of basil. All tied together with a simple, creamy, and irresistible dressing.
Ideal as a summer recipe to bring to the beach, for a lunch at the office, or for an outdoor dinner. This appetizing cold pasta is quick to prepare and perfect to serve even during a buffet.
If you love this kind of preparation, also check out my best ideas for cold rice and pasta salads or discover how to vary with many easy and light summer salads.
For those short on time but don’t want to sacrifice taste, I also recommend the section dedicated to recipes in 5 minutes.
And if you’re organizing a special moment with friends, don’t miss my ideas for a home aperitif and all my easy and quick summer appetizers.
Here is my cold pasta salad ready in 10 minutes! The dinner-saving (or lunch-saving) recipe of the summer! Let’s prepare it together!
But first, let me leave you with other recipe collections that might interest you!
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Ingredients
- 11 oz pasta (I used fusilli)
- 7 oz canned tuna (or in water if you prefer)
- 7 oz mozzarella (such as fior di latte or bocconcini. If you like, you can also use buffalo mozzarella to increase creaminess!)
- 7 oz cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes if you prefer)
- 3 oz olives (black, green, or Taggiasca)
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (only if you like)
- salt
- basil
- dried oregano
Tools
- Bowls
- Cutting Board
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Ladle
- Sieve
Steps
Preparing this cold pasta salad is really easy and quick! The first thing to do is without a doubt to cook the pasta!
Choose your preferred shape, cook in plenty of salted water, drain al dente and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.
Pour the pasta into a wide container so it cools faster and dress with a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, wash and cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Cut the mozzarella into cubes (or the bocconcini in half) and drain the tuna well, whether in water or oil.
In a large bowl, combine the now cold pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, tuna, and black olives.
Season with oregano, some torn basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
Mix well and gently to combine all ingredients.
Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving: it will be even tastier!
If you want some other variations of this recipe, read below 👇😊
I hope this cold pasta salad with tuna mozzarella and cherry tomatoes has made you want to try it!
Article protected by copyright © – Gabriella Geroni © All Rights Reserved
👩🍳🥣🔄 RECIPE VARIATIONS:
🍗 For omnivores (complete meal)
If you like it richer and more substantial, to enjoy as a main course, add:
grilled or roasted chicken breast cubes or diced cooked ham.
You can also use hard-boiled eggs + tuna for an even more complete version.
Try also with sliced frankfurters to make it more rustic.
With these additions it becomes perfect also for picnics, day trips, or to take to work.
🥦 For vegetarians
For those following a meat or fish-free diet, instead of tuna we can use:
cheese cubes like caciotta or smoked scamorza;
🥚hard-boiled eggs cut into wedges;
🍃smoked or pan-fried tofu for a vegan version
🍆🫑🥕grilled vegetables of your choice (zucchini, eggplant, peppers, carrots, etc.)
🌽corn for a sweet and crunchy touch
Even without tuna, it remains a tasty and complete cold pasta, perfect for a light lunch!
Even without tuna, it remains a tasty and complete cold pasta, perfect for a light lunch!
♻️ Fridge-clearance variant
Do you have already cooked vegetables or cheeses to finish? This pasta salad is perfect for:
Using up leftovers (olives, artichokes, cheeses, peas, zucchini, etc.)
Using whole wheat or tricolor pasta for a more scenic touch
Replacing the mayonnaise with pesto, hummus, or Greek yogurt to change flavor
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
📌 1. Can I prepare the pasta salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it even the day before. Keep it in the fridge well covered and, if possible, add the mayonnaise and mozzarella only shortly before serving, to keep it fresh and creamy.
📌 2. What type of pasta is best for the salad?
Short shapes that hold their texture are best: fusilli, penne, farfalle, or rigatoni.
Avoid long pasta (like spaghetti), as it compacts and breaks more easily when cold.📌 3. How to prevent cold pasta from becoming sticky?
Drain it al dente and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Then dress with a drizzle of oil and mix well: this will prevent it from sticking.
📌 4. How is it stored and for how long?
You can store the cold pasta in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.
If it contains mayonnaise, it’s better to consume it within 24 hours for safety and freshness.
You can also choose to enjoy it over two days but in this case I recommend dressing with mayonnaise only the part you eat immediately. Store the rest in the fridge and when ready to serve, you can add the mayonnaise and mix with a ladle.📌 5. Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can use:
Greek yogurt
Pesto
Hummus
Or simply only extra virgin oil and spices to your liking📌 6. Which wine pairs with this pasta?
Definitely a fresh white or rosé wine, light but with good acidity.
Here are 3 great pairings:
🍷 1. Vermentino (Liguria, Tuscany, or Sardinia)
Perfect with cold dishes, fish, and Mediterranean aromas.
Fresh, savory, with citrus notes that balance the mayonnaise and tuna.
Ideal if you serve the pasta outdoors or as an appetizer.
🌸 2. Rosé from Salento or Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Great if the pasta is rich or accompanied by cold cuts/cheeses.To be served even slightly colder.
🫧 3. Prosecco Brut or Dry Sparkling Wine
If the salad is served in a buffet or for a summer aperitif.
