Italian Summer Dishes: Pasta Fredda, Insalata di Riso and Insalata Caprese
When summer arrives in Italy, food becomes lighter, fresher and easier to share. Instead of heavy meals, many Italian families turn to simple cold dishes that can be made ahead and enjoyed at the table, in the garden, at the beach or packed up for a picnic.
Three of the most loved Italian summer dishes are pasta fredda, insalata di riso and caprese salad. They are colourful, easy to prepare and full of classic Italian flavour.
What is pasta fredda?
Pasta fredda means cold pasta. It is Italy’s answer to pasta salad, but with a very Italian feel. It is usually made with short pasta, cooked al dente, then mixed with fresh or preserved ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, tuna, artichokes, grilled vegetables, pesto and extra virgin olive oil.
The secret is to keep it simple. Choose a good pasta shape, add a few colourful ingredients and finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil. It should feel fresh, relaxed and full of summer flavour.
For an easy version, start with La Molisana Insalata di Pasta No.72, then add D’Amico Carciofi alla Romana, mozzarella, a spoonful of pesto and extra virgin olive oil. You can also add fresh tomatoes or basil at home for a bright summer finish.
What is insalata di riso?
Insalata di riso is Italian rice salad. It is one of those dishes many Italians associate with summer lunches, family gatherings and food prepared in advance.
It is usually made with rice cooked and cooled, then mixed with ingredients such as tuna, olives, vegetables, cheese, eggs, pickled vegetables or a ready made rice salad mix. It is fresh, filling and very practical because it can be kept in the fridge and served cold.
Ponti Peperlizia Insalata per Riso is a great shortcut for making this classic Italian dish at home. Add rice, olive oil and any extra ingredients you like, such as tuna, mozzarella or fresh vegetables.
The most authentic caprese salad
Caprese salad is one of the simplest and most beautiful Italian summer dishes. It comes from the island of Capri and is made with just a few good ingredients: mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil and salt.
The best caprese is not complicated. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, arrange them on a plate, scatter over fresh basil, add a pinch of salt and finish with a good extra virgin olive oil. Some Italian recipes also add a little oregano, but the main flavour should come from the mozzarella, tomatoes and oil.
Valerio Mozzarella in Acqua and Conte Spagnoletti Zeuli Extra Virgin Olive Oil are perfect for making a simple caprese style plate at home. Just add ripe tomatoes and fresh basil.
Italian summer in a bowl
These dishes are loved because they are easy, colourful and flexible. Pasta fredda, insalata di riso and caprese can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, a picnic dish or part of a summer buffet.
Whether you prefer pasta with pesto and artichokes, rice salad with vegetables, or a simple plate of mozzarella and tomatoes, Italian summer food is all about good ingredients and relaxed eating.
Shop our Italian summer salad ingredients online or visit us in store at Italia Solutions UK in Turners Hill, West Sussex.