The hot Italian summer is not enough to extinguish our cravings for pasta – partly because pasta makes us so happy and partly because it’s so easy to make during any season! And when the scorching heat makes the idea of eating a hot dish seem impossible, we’ve got good news! Pasta is delicious – even when it’s served cold. An example? We've got at least 5.
But first – let's go over the basic techniques for preparing a good pasta salad.
How to make pasta salad
Making pasta for pasta salad is similar to the traditional method, but it requires a little more attention. After boiling the water and adding salt, boil the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the minutes indicated on the package for the right al dente consistency. It’s important to drain the pasta quickly, pouring it into a bowl to cool with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Once cooled, you can season the pasta.
Pesto pasta salad
If you love pasta al pesto, but you want to try it in the summer version, just season your cooled pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, boiled green beans, and olives. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tomato pasta salad
To make a delicious tomato pasta salad, choose ripe, sweet and fleshy tomatoes. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. Then dice and dress with extra-virgin olive oil, oregano, and salt. Season your pasta with capers, olives, and anchovies.
Tuna pasta salad
Rich and fresh, tuna pasta salad conquers at first bite. Make it by dressing the pasta with drained tuna in oil, olives, cherry tomatoes, and spring onion. To finish, serve with a little pesto.
Seafood pasta salad
Pasta salad is also perfect for serving fresh seafood. Blanch calamari and shrimp or boil mussels and clams over high heat. Prep the fish in a bowl with sliced celery and black and green olives. Dress with lemon juice, a pinch of salt and extra-virgin olive oil. Add the pasta, mix to combine, and serve with a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
