Cesarina Francesca’s Italian Summer Salad

When summer arrives in Palermo, the pace of life slows down and the kitchen comes alive with vibrant colors and intense aromas. It’s the season of fresh, quick recipes—dishes that celebrate the beauty of the moment without feeling heavy, bringing to the table all the energy of the sun and the generosity of the Sicilian land. In this spirit comes Cesarina Francesca’s summer salad, a simple yet delightful dish—perfect for a lunch under the pergola, a dinner with friends, or a seaside picnic.

Francesca created this salad using ingredients that speak of her region: cherry tomatoes in a variety of colors, Tropea red onion, green olives, toasted almonds, and plenty of fresh basil. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures in perfect harmony: the sweetness of the tomatoes, the aromatic notes of extra virgin olive oil, and the crunch of almonds. It’s a dish that comes together in just a few minutes, with no cooking needed, but it wins you over at the very first bite with its freshness and lightness.

“This salad is the perfect meal for warm days, especially with a few slices of rustic bread”.