Savoring Summer, the Italian Way
Simple, elegant recipes to keep you cool, inspired, and nourished.
At Midsummer Milano, we believe well-being begins with the senses: how we sleep, how we breathe—and how we taste. With summer upon us, we wanted to share a few of our favorite Italian recipes that reflect the spirit of the season: fresh, cooling, and beautifully simple. These are dishes designed not just to nourish, but to evoke a certain slowness, a joy of living—una bellezza quotidiana.
Panzanella Toscana
A rustic salad from Tuscany, perfect for using up leftover bread.
Ingredients: stale bread soaked in water, ripe tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, fresh basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt.
Tip: Let it sit 30 minutes before serving—the flavors deepen beautifully.
Granita al Limone (Sicilian Lemon Ice)
Not quite sorbet, not quite ice—granita is pure Mediterranean refreshment.
Ingredients: fresh lemon juice, water, sugar.
Tip: Stir every 30 minutes as it freezes to get that perfect flake texture.
Anguria con Menta e Ricotta Salata (Watermelon with Mint & Salted Ricotta)
A southern Italian favorite that balances sweetness and saltiness with fresh herbs.
Ingredients: chilled watermelon cubes, fresh mint leaves, ricotta salata (a firm, salted sheep’s milk cheese), black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tip: Use a microplane to grate the ricotta salata over the watermelon just before serving.
Pesche al Vino Bianco (Peaches in White Wine)
An elegant, old-fashioned dessert often served in Italian homes.
Ingredients: sliced ripe peaches, light white wine (like Soave or Vermentino), a touch of sugar.
Tip: Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Just like our beds, Italian cuisine teaches us to honor simplicity, balance, and nature’s rhythm. These recipes are a gentle invitation to slow down and savor what this season brings—cool breezes, golden light, and a table full of joy.
