5 Cold Italian Dishes for Hot Summer Days

Summer in New England brings plenty of reasons to celebrate: long sunny days, beach trips, and outdoor dining with family and friends. But when it’s too hot to cook, we believe in embracing the Italian way of eating—simple, fresh, and seasonal.

At Durazzo’s Italian Market & Deli, we’ve got everything you need to make delicious, no-fuss meals that capture the flavors of Italy without ever touching the stove. These five cold Italian dishes are perfect for lunch on the patio, sunset picnics, or an effortless antipasto spread with friends.

Each dish features easy-to-find ingredients and showcases staples available right here at Durazzo’s—like house-cured meats, fresh cheeses, and pantry essentials. Let’s dig in.

1. Panzanella – Tuscan Bread Salad

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 mins rest)

Panzanella is the ultimate summer salad. Originating in Tuscany, this rustic dish was traditionally made to use up stale bread and sun-ripened tomatoes. It’s hearty enough for a meal but still light and refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed day-old Italian bread (like ciabatta or pane pugliese)
• 3–4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup Durazzo’s extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, torn

Instructions:

1. Toss the bread cubes with the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the bread soaks up the juices.
4. Top with fresh basil just before serving.

Why It Works:

It’s a perfect balance of texture and flavor—the tomatoes release their juices into the bread, and the vinegar and oil bring it all together. Bonus: no cooking required!

2. Prosciutto & Melon Platter

Serves: 2–4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Few flavor pairings are as iconic and elegant as prosciutto and melon. The salty, delicate slices of cured meat balance beautifully with sweet, juicy fruit. It’s a dish that’s all about quality ingredients—and Durazzo’s delivers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cantaloupe, peeled and sliced into wedges
• 6–8 slices of Durazzo’s prosciutto di Parma
• Fresh mint (optional)
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Arrange the melon slices on a platter.
2. Drape a slice of prosciutto over each piece of melon.
3. Garnish with mint or a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Why It Works:

This dish feels fancy but takes minutes to assemble. Serve it as a starter, a side, or even a light main course with a glass of chilled Prosecco.

3. Pasta Fredda – Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Pasta fredda, or cold pasta salad, is a summer staple in Italian homes. Unlike creamy American-style versions, pasta fredda is dressed in olive oil and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Durazzo’s marinated olives
• 1/2 cup diced mozzarella or bocconcini
• 1/4 cup chopped salami or soppressata
• Fresh basil
• 2–3 tbsp Durazzo’s olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
2. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with tomatoes, olives, cheese, and salami.
3. Add olive oil, season to taste, and toss until well combined.
4. Chill before serving, and garnish with fresh basil.

Why It Works:

Make it in advance and enjoy it all week long—it only gets better with time. Add artichoke hearts or roasted peppers for even more flavor.

4. Tuna & Cannellini Bean Salad

Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Inspired by the coastal flavors of Southern Italy, this protein-packed salad is cool, satisfying, and super easy. It’s also a great no-cook lunch option on a busy day.

Ingredients:

• 1 can high-quality Italian tuna (in olive oil), drained
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1–2 tbsp Durazzo’s extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, pepper, and fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Combine the tuna, beans, and onion in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Why It Works:

It’s incredibly filling without being heavy. Serve on a bed of arugula or with crostini for a light but elegant meal.

5. Lemon Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Pistachios

Serves: 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Prep Time: 10 minutes

This sweet-savory appetizer is perfect for summer gatherings or a glass of wine on the porch. The creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and drizzle of honey make every bite feel special.

Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
• 1 cup Durazzo’s house-made ricotta
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp honey
• Chopped pistachios or almonds

Instructions:

1. Spread ricotta on toasted crostini.
2. Top with lemon zest, a drizzle of honey, and chopped nuts.
3. Serve immediately.

Why It Works:

No grill, no oven—just fresh, bright flavors and creamy textures that melt in your mouth. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or iced espresso.

Bring the Flavors of Italy to Your Summer Table

Whether you’re lounging on the deck, hosting a backyard lunch, or heading out for a beach picnic, these five cold Italian dishes offer a delicious way to eat well without breaking a sweat. And the best part? Everything you need—from house-made ricotta and mozzarella to cured meats, olives, and oils—can be found right here at Durazzo’s Deli.

Our team is always happy to help you choose the best ingredients for your summer recipes—and maybe even sneak in a few extra ideas while you’re here.