When the heat sets in, even in the kitchen we look for lightness, simplicity, and above all, speed. The ideal summer main courses are those that don’t weigh you down, that can be prepared in just a few minutes, and that highlight the raw ingredients without unnecessary additions.
If you want to bring a complete but light menu to the table, perfect for summer, you can pair these main courses with some simple yet tasty first courses: pasta with our artisanal sauces. They are all made with selected spices and natural ingredients, for a quick, healthy, and top-quality dish.
Here are 5 summer recipes for quick main courses, featuring both meat and fish, perfect for a light lunch or a casual dinner:
1. Chicken Breast with Peppers and Olives: The Scent of Summer in the Pan
Among quick summer meat dishes, chicken breast with peppers and olives represents a perfect balance of color, flavor, and lightness. Prepared with tender chicken breasts seared in a pan, enriched with red and yellow peppers cut into strips and olives with a strong flavor, it’s deglazed with beer, which adds an aromatic, delicate, and fresh note to the dish.
It takes about 20 minutes to serve a lively and fragrant main course, ideal also to serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a light side dish or grilled vegetables.
2. Octopus Salad with Crunchy Vegetables
Fish, light and nutritious, is the absolute star of summer main courses. One of the most appreciated recipes is octopus salad, served on a bed of zucchini and onions. The octopus is simply boiled and seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon, and a drizzle of oil. It’s an elegant and easy-to-make dish, perfect for those looking for quick but tasty summer fish main courses.
3. Sliced Tomatoes with Tuna Belly and Basil
A great classic of the Italian summer: recipes with fresh tomatoes never go out of style. Just a few simple ingredients are enough to get a tasty and light dish. Choose large, ripe tomatoes, slice them, and season with tuna belly, fresh basil leaves, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of tuna oil.
It’s a versatile and practical recipe, perfect to serve cold: ideal for enjoying a summer main course without turning on the stove. Tuna belly is the most prized cut of the tuna, taken from the belly area, rich in good fats.
4. Roast Beef and Potatoes
Among the most loved summer meat dishes, roast beef is a tasty, light, and practical option. It can be prepared in advance and served thinly sliced, accompanied by boiled or roasted potatoes, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt.
This dish is perfect for a balanced summer dinner: roast beef, lean and flavorful, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes, for a harmonious and satisfying contrast.
Served cold or at room temperature, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes and ideal for those looking for a complete main course without sacrificing taste.
5. Baked Sea Bream Fillet
Baked fish is one of the lightest and healthiest summer recipes. All you need is a sea bream fillet with potatoes, some cherry tomatoes, black olives, a sprig of rosemary, and a drizzle of oil: all baked in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The result is a tender, fragrant main course that preserves all the flavors of the sea and Mediterranean herbs.
To further enhance the dish, we recommend pairing it with our artisanal Tomato sauce: just heat it for a minute and it’s ready. Made with cumin, turmeric, and ginger, this sauce brings balance thanks to the full and natural taste of the tomato, which perfectly complements the delicacy of the fish and the liveliness of the spices. A pairing inspired by Mediterranean and Oriental culinary traditions, capable of giving an aromatic, original, and at the same time familiar touch. Perfect to serve on summer evenings, to surprise with simplicity and quality.
Summer in the Kitchen: Creativity, Simplicity, and Quality
Summer is the perfect season to enhance the quality of raw ingredients: just a few well-selected ingredients are enough to create quick and tasty main courses.
Want more ideas for your summer main courses?
Explore our recipe book to discover authentic flavors and original ideas, and visit the section dedicated to our artisanal sauces: quality, always ready to bring to the table.
