From Our Family Table to Yours
If you’re anything like us, once summer rolls around, we’re reaching for meals that feel a little lighter, but still fill the kitchen with comfort and joy. Pasta might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it’s hot outside, but with the right ingredients, it absolutely works for summer. Think garden-fresh produce, chilled salads, bright herbs, and zesty citrus.
Here are five of our favorite ways to keep pasta on the table, even when the sun’s blazing. They’re quick, refreshing, and full of the same wholesome ingredients we grew up loving.
1. The Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This one’s a favorite when we want something with big flavor and minimal effort. Tossed with roasted red peppers, olives, cucumbers, feta, and a tangy dressing, it’s packed with bright, briny flavor that holds up well in the fridge. Perfect for meal prep—or second helpings at the family barbecue.
2. Italian Pasta Salad
Every summer table needs a classic—and this is ours. With pepperoni, mozzarella, fresh cherry tomatoes, and Italian dressing, this salad is hearty enough to serve as a full meal, but still cool and refreshing. Our pasta holds up beautifully, even after a night in the fridge (if it makes it that long).
3. Poolside Pasta Salad
Don’t let the name fool you—this salad’s just as good dry as it is poolside. It’s a colorful mix of fresh veggies, pasta, and creamy dressing that’s super kid-friendly and easy to scale up for a crowd. We love making a big batch before a weekend gathering so we can just grab and go.
4. Greek Orzo Salad
This dish hits all the right notes: tangy, crisp, herby, and full of texture. The orzo gives it a little extra elegance, while the cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta bring the Mediterranean flavors we crave in hot weather. It’s one of those recipes that looks just as pretty as it tastes.
5. Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Okay—we know this one sounds more fall than summer. But hear us out: we love this dish as a cozy, comforting dinner after a long day outside. The sauce is creamy but light, and it’s a great way to mix in more veggies without feeling like you’re eating the same salad for the fifth day in a row.
A Few Summer Pasta Tips from Our Kitchen
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Serve your pasta cold or room temp. Perfect for picnics or prepping ahead.
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Fresh herbs go a long way. We always have basil, mint, or dill within arm’s reach in the summer.
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Use lemon, vinegar, or olive oil-based dressings to keep things light.
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Let your veggies shine. This is their season, after all.
No matter the season, pasta has a place at our table, and in summer, it just gets a fresh twist. These dishes are ones we make for our own families when the sun is high, the days are long, and the produce is as good as it gets.
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