Italy is a country rich with diverse geographical regions and their corresponding flavors. In the North, the cuisine reflects the region’s pride in their ability to grow many different types of herbs and spices. With less of a focus on tomato-based dishes, they showcase fresh cuts of meat, butter, and cream in their meals. In the South, the focus is on the crisp and acidic notes of fresh tomatoes, citrus, and the local catches of the day. Both regions boast large amounts of pasta dishes as well; they just reflect it in their own styles.
Most people consider Italian food to be a heavy dinner option. However, there are tons of traditional Italian dishes that make excellent summer dinners that are both light and refreshing. It’s all about picking the right Italian dishes and ingredients to keep the food coma at bay.
Heavier and more filling meals are definitely less desirable during the summer months. Thankfully, traditional Italian food is full of variety, leaving you with many different options to choose from, no matter the weather. Here are 5 light and refreshing Italian-inspired meals for summer dinners, all from Aversano’s menu:
Manicotti consists of thin, shell-like pasta tubes filled with a variety of different ingredients. Aversano’s spinach manicotti keeps things light with fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and homemade alfredo sauce; one of the most refreshing summer dinners on a warm night.
As far as summer dinners go, fettuccine is always a family favorite. Our Captain’s Seafood Fettuccine is made with sauteed scallops, baby clams, dungeness crab, tiger prawns, and mushrooms. This dish represents the flavors of Southern Italy in a truly authentic and delicious way.
You can’t go wrong with a pizza! Instead of choosing meat-heavy toppings, opt for a pie that’s chock-full of veggies. Our Ultimate Veggie Pizza is an excellent option full of broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, and olives. Consider adding extra vegetables on top for a seriously healthy choice!
Cheese Tortellini
Tortellini are ring-shaped pasta pockets stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies. Served in your choice of sauce, these little pasta pillows are a great alternative to heavier cream-based pasta dishes.
Similar to tortellini, ravioli are also filled pasta pouches. The pasta used for ravioli is quite thin, which keeps carbs at a minimum. Our lobster-stuffed ravioli at Aversano’s is made with fresh lobster and ricotta cheese, topped with our homemade alfredo sauce.
For truly authentic Italian food in a fun and welcoming environment, come and dine with us at Aversano’s in Sumner, Washington! Our family-owned and operated restaurant proudly upholds the tradition of providing a casual and historical dining ambiance that the whole family will love. Come by and try one of our refreshing Italian meal options for a light summer dinner. Or, make a reservation today by calling us at 253-863-3618. We look forward to seeing you!
Aversano’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
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6015 Parker Road, Sumner, WA 98390 | 253-863-3618 | AversanosSumner@Gmail.com