When the heat sets in, cold pasta becomes the star of the table: it’s practical, versatile, and can turn into a surprisingly gourmet dish with the right ingredients. In this article, we propose 5 cold pasta recipe ideas, perfect for lunches under the sunshade, picnics in the park, or a light and creative dinner.
Summer cold pasta: a fresh, practical, and gourmet choice
Summer cold pasta is not just about convenience: it’s an opportunity to experiment with new pairings, highlight seasonal vegetables, and bring bold flavors to the table in a light form. It takes very little to make a recipe special: a good pasta shape, fresh ingredients, and a dressing with an artisanal touch, like De Luca Spicial Sauces, gourmet spiced sauces capable of giving character to any dish.
Here are quick and tasty cold pasta recipes, designed for those seeking light summer dishes full of flavor.
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Cold pasta with grilled zucchini and feta
Grilled zucchini releases a smoky and enveloping flavor, while crumbled feta adds a salty note that balances the dish. Complete with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and a few Taggiasca olives. -
Pasta salad with confit cherry tomatoes and pesto
A refined twist on classic pasta with pesto: just slowly oven-roasted tomatoes, sweet and intense in flavor, paired with a light pesto. Add a few shavings of Parmesan and a handful of toasted pine nuts to complete the dish with crunch and character. -
Cold pasta with tuna, chickpeas, and marinated red onion
A nutritious and protein-rich idea, perfect even for those following a balanced diet. Cooked chickpeas and tuna in oil create a flavorful base, enhanced by the freshness of red onion left in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes. You can enrich it with cucumber cubes, chopped parsley, and a touch of mild mustard: a fresh but bold dish, also perfect to take to the office. -
Cold fusilli with eggplant and mint
A dish with a strong but perfectly balanced character. Eggplants, first grilled and then sliced into strips, are mixed with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and spices to taste, creating a flavorful and enveloping dressing. Mint, with its herbal and refreshing note, breaks the roundness of the dish, making it ideal for a light but original dinner. Complete with a drizzle of oil and serve at room temperature. -
Cold pasta with shrimp and arugula
An elegant and aromatic proposal, ideal for impressing guests. Sautéed shrimp are combined with fresh arugula for a delicate and natural balance. To enhance the taste of the sea, finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil: a fresh, refined, and full-of-personality dish.
Secrets to perfect cold pasta
Good cold pasta relies entirely on preparation: here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to always achieve excellent results.
Which pasta can be eaten cold?
The best shapes for summer cold pasta are short and ridged: fusilli, farfalle, penne, or mezze maniche. These types of pasta hold the dressing well and do not become gummy after cooling.
How do you cool cold pasta?
Once drained al dente, pasta should be cooled quickly to stop cooking. The most effective method is to run it under cold water or immerse it in a bowl of water and ice, then immediately dress it with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking.
How long in advance can cold pasta be prepared?
Cold pasta can be prepared a few hours ahead. It is recommended to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and take it out 10–15 minutes before serving to bring it to room temperature and revive the flavors.
Final tips for a truly delicious summer lunch
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Don’t overdo the dressing: choose few ingredients, but well balanced.
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Play with textures: crunchiness, creaminess, and freshness should coexist.
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Add a touch of nuts or seeds: pistachios, almonds, or toasted sunflower seeds give crunch and originality.
Summer is the season of lightness, but also the perfect time to experiment. With a few fresh ingredients, you can create gourmet cold dishes, as well as warm recipes with enveloping flavors.
Our De Luca Spicial Sauces – Tomato, Tomato Tandoori, Olives Tomato, Mushrooms, and Zucchini – are the ideal ally all year round: artisanal, spiced, and ready to use, a quick and easy solution for those who want to enjoy refined dishes without hassle.
Do you want to discover more light and quick summer dishes? Explore our recipe book and get inspired by the offerings of De Luca Family Food: creativity, quality, and Italian taste in every bite.
