Last-minute menu for Ferragosto 2026: appetizer, first course, second course, side dish, dessert

Taste guaranteed without stress

Ferragosto (August 15th) is synonymous with conviviality, outdoor lunches, and tables brimming with summer flavors. But there's not always time to plan everything well in advance. If you've decided at the last minute to organize a lunch or dinner with friends and family, don't panic: with the right recipes, you can bring a complete, tasty, and impressive menu to the table.

Summer zucchini pizzas

Summer zucchini pizzas are a delicious and colorful idea that reinvents pizza with a soft and flavorful zucchini base. Filled with three different vegetarian toppings, they're perfect as a creative and versatile appetizer. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they'll win you over at first bite thanks to the mix of vegetables, cheeses, and fragrant basil.

Smart tip: You can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 days.

Couscous alle verdure

Vegetable couscous is a light and colorful first course that captures all the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Couscous, enriched with sautéed vegetables, crunchy almonds, and a touch of turmeric, captivates with its balanced flavors and textures. Perfect served hot or at room temperature, it's simple and authentic.

Smart tip: You can garnish it with a few dollops of Greek yogurt and a twist of lemon for a refreshing touch.

Seafood skewers

Seafood skewers are a delicious and flavorful main course, perfect for bringing the full flavor of seafood to the table with a quick and easy preparation. Calamari, squid, and shrimp alternate with juicy cherry tomatoes and are coated in a fragrant parsley and garlic breading, which turns irresistibly golden and crispy when cooked.

Smart tip: serve them with French fries or a nice mixed salad.

Eggplant Zuccotto

Eggplant zuccotto is a spectacular recipe that offers a savory twist on the classic traditional zuccotto. Eggplant, the star of the show, combines with tomato, basil, parmesan, and pecorino cheese in an irresistible blend of Mediterranean flavors reminiscent of parmigiana. Perfect as an appetizer or a summer main course, it's captivating with its elegant appearance and rich, enveloping flavor.

Smart tip: If you prefer, you can also prepare it in individual portions using muffin molds.

Watermelon

Anguriata is a spectacular and refreshing summer fruit salad, served directly inside a hollowed-out watermelon. Watermelon balls, fresh seasonal fruit, and a fragrant blend of citrus juice and Moscato wine come together in a convivial dessert, perfect for Ferragosto (August bank holiday) and al fresco dining. Colorful, thirst-quenching, and impressive, it's the ideal way to celebrate the flavors of summer.

Smart tip: If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the wine with soda or fruit juice mixed with orange and lemon juice.