Italian Summer Recipes: Grilled Peaches, Gnudi & More 2026

Italian summer recipes bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table, and Angela Hartnett's grilled peaches, green beans, mozzarella, and gnudi in tomato sauce are perfect examples. These dishes celebrate seasonal produce and simple techniques, ideal for sunny days and al fresco dining. Whether you're hosting a garden party or enjoying a quiet family meal, these recipes deliver elegance and taste.

Grilled Peaches with Mozzarella and Green Beans

This salad combines sweet, charred peaches with creamy buffalo mozzarella and crisp green beans, dressed with a sharp vinaigrette. It's a refreshing starter or light main course that highlights summer's best ingredients.

Ingredients and Preparation

For this dish, you'll need 200g fine green beans, 250g buffalo mozzarella, 4 ripe peaches, extra-virgin olive oil, a small shallot, balsamic or white-wine vinegar, basil leaves, and optional toasted almonds or lemon zest. Start by blanching the beans in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then refresh in ice water. Tear the mozzarella into pieces and let it come to room temperature.

Heat a griddle pan until hot, rub peach halves with olive oil, and grill cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until charred and softened. Dress the beans and sliced shallot with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Arrange peaches, mozzarella, and beans on a platter, drizzle with remaining dressing, and scatter basil, nuts, and lemon zest. Finish with a final olive oil drizzle and sea salt.

Gnudi with Roast Tomato Sauce

Gnudi, meaning "naked" ravioli, are pillowy ricotta dumplings that pair beautifully with a rich roast tomato sauce. This recipe requires chilling for at least 8 hours, so plan ahead for a rewarding meal.

Making the Roast Tomato Sauce

Roast 500g ripe plum tomatoes with 2 crushed garlic cloves and thyme sprigs at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Blend or mash the tomatoes, then simmer with a splash of olive oil and seasoning to create a thick, flavorful sauce.

Preparing the Gnudi

Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, flour, and nutmeg to form a soft dough. Chill for 8 hours, then shape into small dumplings. Cook in boiling salted water until they float, then gently toss with the tomato sauce. Serve with extra Parmesan and basil.

Comparison: Grilled Peach Salad vs. Gnudi

Key Takeaways for Italian Summer Cooking

• Use ripe, seasonal produce for maximum flavor.
• Grilling peaches enhances their natural sweetness.
• Chilling gnudi dough improves texture and handling.
• Balance acidity with fresh herbs and quality olive oil.
• Serve dishes at room temperature for best taste.

Tips for Perfect Summer Entertaining

When hosting, prepare components in advance. Blanch beans, grill peaches, and make the sauce ahead. Assemble salads just before serving to maintain freshness. For gnudi, shape and chill them overnight, then cook quickly when guests arrive.

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