The Italian summer has a unique flavor: it smells of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, seafood and citrus. When temperatures rise, the cuisine becomes lighter and faster, with dishes that enhance seasonal products and that can also be enjoyed cold. But what are some well-known summer recipes in Italy?
5 Most Famous Summer Recipes in Italy
Here are ten Italian recipes ideal for the summer season.
- Caprese (mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil). A timeless classic: slices of buffalo mozzarella and tomato, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and plenty of fresh basil. Served cold, it represents the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Ingredients: buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, EVO oil, salt, pepper.
- Rice salad. Perfect for picnics, terrace lunches and trips to the seaside. It is prepared with boiled rice, seasoned with tuna, olives, cherry tomatoes, pickles and cheese cubes. Variations: with shrimp and courgettes, or with pesto and dried tomatoes.
- Cold Pasta.One of the queens of the summer table. It pairs with many ingredients: cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, tuna, olives, pesto, grilled courgettes. Tip: use short pasta such as fusilli or farfalle and cool it immediately after cooking.
- Ham and melon. Light and quick appetizer, perfect for warm evenings. The sweetness of the melon marries the saltiness of the raw ham. Variations: with figs or with burrata.
The variant of “mare”
- Sea Salad. Finally, a variant with the taste of “sea”. A fresh and tasty appetizer or main course. Octopus, calamari, shrimp, mussels and clams boiled and seasoned with oil, lemon, parsley and pepper. It should be served very cold and can be accompanied with bread croutons.
In short, Italian cuisine in summer is fresh, genuine and colorful. The variations to eat well, in the Bel Paese, are never lacking.
