Summer is here, and that means it’s time to revamp your weekly meal routine. Cooking pasta dishes is a great way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients. Pasta is quick to prepare and pairs well with a variety of vegetables that are abundant in the summer months. That’s why Olivieri® is here to inspire you with delicious and refreshing pasta recipes to serve in summer. From tasty salads to refreshing pasta dishes, we’ve got you covered!
Essential Summer Ingredients
Summer pasta dishes thrive on the use of vibrant, fresh ingredients. Emphasizing seasonal produce is key to creating flavourful and light meals that capture the essence of summer. Below are the essential ingredients that elevate summer pasta recipes.
Selecting Fresh Produce
It is crucial to choose the right produce to achieve the ideal summer pasta. Freshness impacts taste and texture. When shopping for summer ingredients, keep the following tips in mind:
- Visit local farmers’ markets for the freshest options.
- Look for seasonal vegetables that are firm and bright in colour.
- Opt for organic produce when possible to enhance flavour and nutrition.
The Perfect Summer Appetizer with Fresh Tomatoes
Picture the scene, it’s evening and the sun is sinking into the horizon. A cool breeze passes through your patio, and the scene is set for a pleasant evening with friends and family. All you need now is the perfect appetizer to snack on as you enjoy this special time of year. Enter our Fresh Mozzarella Tomato Crostini. These delightful bite-sized treats boast the perfect summer pairing of fresh tomato and mozzarella cheese.
Using Zucchini and Tomatoes
Harnessing the potential of seasonal ingredients is a great way to freshen up your meals in summer. Zucchini and tomato are two-star ingredients of the season, taking dishes to new heights. Planning your dishes around these ingredients ensures you achieve the freshness you crave from summer cooking. This Roasted Zucchini Lasagna recipe is a great way to make the most of zucchini.
Likewise, nothing brings pasta to life like juicy cherry tomatoes, as this Confetti Tomato Salad amply demonstrates. Made with cherry tomatoes, black olives, yellow peppers, and Olivieri® 3 Formaggi Rainbow Tortellini, you can rustle up this glorious summer salad in just 10 minutes.
Tomato and Pesto – The Perfect Summer Pairing
What’s the best sauce to cook with in summer? Well, there are many options for you to choose from, but perhaps the standout sauce of summer is fresh and herbaceous pesto. There’s just something about the blend of basil, garlic, olive oil, pine, and almond nuts that exudes summer. If you’re looking for the perfect pasta to pair with pesto, try our Rainbow Tortellini with Basil and Cheese Pesto. Made with Olivieri® Basil & Cheese Pesto, this enticing dish is rich in flavour and satisfying to boot. Best of all, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it the perfect option for busy weekdays.
Alternatively, for a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing, try our Chicken and Pesto Tortellini with Cherry Tomatoes. Made with succulent chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, pesto, and Olivieri® 3 Formaggi Tortellini, this dish makes for the perfect main course at family gatherings.
Gnocchi Dishes with a Summer Twist
Gnocchi is a variety of pasta made with potatoes that tastes just as good in summer as it does during the rest of the year. All you have to do is add some fresh and seasonal ingredients to give it a summer twist. This Skillet Gnocchi with Bacon and Sundried Tomatoes combines crispy Canadian bacon with savoury sundried tomatoes for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy a vegan option this summer, try out Skillet Gnocchi Vegan Buddha Bowl. Boasting a host of delicious ingredients such as chickpeas, sweet potato, red cabbage, baby spinach, and grape tomatoes, this refreshing vegan dish is ready in just 5 minutes. Satisfying meals don’t come any easier than that!
Tips for Serving and Storing Summer Pasta Dishes
Proper serving and storage techniques ensure that summer pasta dishes remain fresh and flavourful. Implementing these tips can enhance the dining experience and prolong the enjoyment of delicious pasta meals.
Keeping Pasta Fresh
To maintain the quality of pasta, it’s essential to follow some straightforward practices. First, ensure that pasta is cooled quickly after cooking. This can be achieved by rinsing it briefly under cold water, which helps stop the cooking process and prevents sticking.
- Store pasta in an airtight container to keep it free from moisture and contaminants.
- Avoid adding oil to the pasta if it will be served with sauce later, as this can affect the sauce’s adhesion.
- If the pasta has already been mixed with a sauce, it’s best served immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating Strategies
Leftover pasta can be a convenient option for quick meals. To store leftovers effectively, place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s advisable to consume them within three days to ensure quality.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
- For added flavour, consider topping the reheated pasta with freshly grated cheese or herbs.
By following these tips, the enjoyment of summer pasta dishes can extend beyond the initial meal, ensuring that every bite remains as delicious as the first.
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration for your summer pasta dishes, it’s time to get cooking. And remember, for more recipe inspiration and expert cooking tips, make sure to drop by our kitchen.