Pasta saltata is a traditional dish that originated as a result of a brief Italian occupation of the country in the 1930s. The dish is made with a combination of potatoes, oil, garlic, onions, lemon juice, penne pasta, arugula, basil, and harissa spices.

The potatoes are cooked, and the sauce is made with all the other ingredients. It is then tossed with cooked penne pasta and the potatoes, while the arugula is folded in. Once done, pasta saltata is sprinkled with basil and the dish is always served hot.