This section represents what I usually refer to as “Antipasto” in Italian. Its purpose is to offer guests a delicious, bite-sized snack accompanied by an aperitif drink, making everyone feel welcome and entertained. Even for these small bites, there are some wines that create a perfect combination of taste and aroma.
Summer Fresh Salad
This Summer Fresh Salad is a light, colorful, and refreshing dish perfect for hot days or as a side for grilled meals. Packed with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing, it’s not only healthy but also Instagram-worthy! Quick to prepare and fully customizable, it’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a picnic option.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the salad under running water (don't worry if you already bought the washed salad)1 Iceberg lettuce
- In a large bowl, combine salad greens, carrots, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and tuna.2 pieces Carrots
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. ( I don't but i leave the option to play with salad dressing)4 pieces Tomatoes
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.2 balls Mozzarella
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and salt. Serve immediately. Buon Appetito!3 tbsp Olive oil, 5 g Salt
- Yves Leccia Patrimonio E Croce Vermentino 2021: SummaryGrape & Origin: 100% Vermentino from the E Croce terroir in Corsica’s Patrimonio AOC, a region renowned for its quality vineyards and mineral soils.Farming & Winemaking: Certified organic since 2016, with hand-harvested grapes. The wine is vinified and aged exclusively in stainless steel—no oak influence—allowing the terroir and grape character to shine.Appearance: Light yellow color with green reflections.Aromas & Flavors:Initial notes: Subtle, texturally brilliant, with a briny, green olive character.With time: Evolving to aromas of white flowers, hawthorn, honey, flint, and citrus.Palate: Fresh, elegant, racy, with invigorating acidity and a minerally, lingering finish.Profile: Not immediately overt but opens up beautifully in the glass; known for its finesse, complexity, and length.Pairing Suggestions: Ideal with seafood like kingfish, as well as spring vegetables and fresh salads.Reputation: Yves Leccia is celebrated for producing some of Corsica’s most elegant and precise wines, drawing on a long family heritage rooted in the region.This wine stands out for its purity, mineral-driven profile, and vibrant freshness—an excellent choice for lovers of refined, expressive whites from a unique Mediterranean terroirhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Leccia-Patrimonio-Corsica-Vermentino-Brilliance/dp/B0FFST1N98?crid=3OTYMMYC1VYII&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k6GIZjWbQZ0PNr-VzPmf1qppqxCNqJAiu2gszxlQ6LCPSfvUWj496QD30EpQQmfZaJM5heuA72fxs50pmLgrn8Marw28KfeJF2pnCNAXPpNktuVAXOdD3IuyzqdwUosyNCHHsfV03XSk6S0QC3dTiPA5WXjBpjtrtRhmdaxgNdQfeOOH4ByNi_1iY_hXI_BJFi9pbhV5EXqbustPt9uwhjNfjMwQmIR8Z76qEV0N19GuSivPrIswOCnJ9YdmSZd02Pr2_q_RlQ4IKjxz7YUEOvGujl-eBhNi8RrO4VHmfB0.-7k74tKi8aFhcma3NgtnXsR55LG-c-zz-zrc0jCQe-4&dib_tag=se&keywords=vermentino+wine+white&qid=1752708737&sprefix=vermenti%2Caps%2C312&sr=8-11&linkCode=ll1&tag=tastehomereci-22&linkId=767c742fed0066c76cf1765d73338fd6&language=en_AU&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
- Pure, bright, and light, this wine is packed with tropical and citrus blossom flavours. It’s a fresh, textured white with vibrant balance, lingering flavours, and a great mouthfeel. Rich and fleshy, with soft, supple tannins, it’s perfect for enjoying with friends, family, or colleagues.https://www.amazon.com.au/Mitolo-2019-Jester-Vermentino-Wine/dp/B005Z6NSFS?crid=3OTYMMYC1VYII&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k6GIZjWbQZ0PNr-VzPmf1qppqxCNqJAiu2gszxlQ6LCPSfvUWj496QD30EpQQmfZaJM5heuA72fxs50pmLgrn8Marw28KfeJF2pnCNAXPpNktuVAXOdD3IuyzqdwUosyNCHHsfV03XSk6S0QC3dTiPA5WXjBpjtrtRhmdaxgNdQfeOOH4ByNi_1iY_hXI_BJFi9pbhV5EXqbustPt9uwhjNfjMwQmIR8Z76qEV0N19GuSivPrIswOCnJ9YdmSZd02Pr2_q_RlQ4IKjxz7YUEOvGujl-eBhNi8RrO4VHmfB0.-7k74tKi8aFhcma3NgtnXsR55LG-c-zz-zrc0jCQe-4&dib_tag=se&keywords=vermentino+wine+white&qid=1752708737&sprefix=vermenti%2Caps%2C312&sr=8-7&linkCode=ll1&tag=tastehomereci-22&linkId=bd8762cdcf4182e451718de7b63f5a3f&language=en_AU&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Nutrition
Notes
💡 Cooking Tips & FAQs
- Make it vegan: Skip feta or use plant-based cheese.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make ahead: Prep vegetables and dressing separately; combine just before serving.
- Flavor boost: Add roasted nuts, seeds, or avocado for extra texture and nutrients.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled meats, fish, or pasta dishes.
- Great for picnics, lunchboxes, or as a light dinner.
- Pair with sparkling water or chilled white wine for a refreshing summer meal.
🥡 Storage & Leftovers
- Best served fresh; store greens and vegetables separately from dressing in the fridge for 1 day.
- Avoid tossing with dressing too early to prevent soggy salad.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Panzerotti
Panzerotti are a beloved Italian street food from the southern regions, especially Puglia. These golden, crispy half-moon pockets are filled with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and sometimes ham or salami. Unlike calzones, panzerotti are usually smaller and fried, giving them a deliciously airy and crunchy crust. Perfect as a snack, party food, or light dinner, this recipe will bring authentic Italian flavor straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let rest for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover with a cloth and let rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size
- Prepare filling: Mix tomatoes with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drain mozzarella well.
- Divide dough into 10 equal balls. Roll each into a circle (about 12 cm diameter).
- Place 1 tbsp tomato sauce, mozzarella.
- Fold over to form a half-moon. Seal edges tightly with a fork.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 170°C (340°F). Fry panzerotti in batches until golden (about 3–4 mins per side).
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.Buon Appetito!
- The Prosecco Martini Prosecco NV 750ml is a crisp, lively sparkling wine from Italy’s Veneto region, featuring delicate floral, pear, and citrus aromas with flavors of green apple, lemon, and subtle peach. Its fine, persistent bubbles make it ideal for celebrations or as an aperitif, best enjoyed chilled on its own or with light appetizers like bruschetta or seafood.https://amzn.to/477myIz
- 100% Nebbiolo from Alto-Piedmont. A dry and focused style Rosato from Roberto Conterno that brings together fresh raspberry and herbaceous notes with scintillating acidity. An immensely complex and accomplished wine that is perfect as an aperitif yet lends itself wonderfully to a multitude of food pairings.https://amzn.to/4otTVeG
Nutrition
Notes
💡 Cooking Tips & FAQs
- Baked option: Brush with olive oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 mins.
- Prevent leaks: Make sure to drain mozzarella well and press dough edges firmly.
- Can I freeze panzerotti? Yes, freeze uncooked panzerotti and fry/bake directly from frozen.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad.
- Add spicy salami for a Southern Italian kick.
🥡 Storage & Leftovers
- Best eaten fresh.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, reheat in oven or air fryer.
- Freeze raw shaped panzerotti for up to 1 month.
