Cold Pasta with Parma Ham

Cold pasta with Parma ham is an ideal dish for the summer, fresh and quick to prepare. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 400 g of short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
• 150 g of Parma ham, cut into strips
• 200 g of mozzarella, cut into cubes
• 250 g of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• Fresh arugula to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package to achieve al dente texture.
2. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
3. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Mix well.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and Parma ham to the bowl with the pasta.
5. Add hand-torn fresh arugula to give a burst of freshness and a peppery touch to the dish.
6. Dress with salt, pepper, and another drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you wish, you can add a pinch of oregano for a Mediterranean flavor or a few drops of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and sour contrast.
7. Gently mix everything together to combine the ingredients.
8. Let the cold pasta rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Before serving, taste and adjust for salt, pepper, or olive oil if necessary. The cold pasta with Parma ham is now ready to be enjoyed.

Curiosity

Parma ham is a prized ingredient in Italian gastronomy, whose production follows a strict aging process. Known for its intense flavor and soft texture, it pairs perfectly with the acidity of the cherry tomatoes and the sweetness of the mozzarella, creating a balanced dish full of flavors.