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Host a stress-free dinner with these 20 summery Italian recipes! They are bright, fresh and full of flavor.
Hosting friends and family this summer? Italian food is the answer! It's always a crowd pleaser and works perfectly with seasonal produce like tomatoes and fresh basil. And while we sometimes think Italian food is heavy with lots of bread and cheese, it doesn't have to be! These recipes are bright and fresh and perfect for summer. I recently made the Italian White Bean Hummus (pictured below) for a happy hour I was hosting, and it was a huge hit!
There were some food sensitivities in the group, and it worked perfectly for that. It's gluten and dairy-free (just serve with veggies and GF crackers).
We've included all our favorite savory recipes today. From easy appetizers and fresh salads to flavorful mains. They come together easily and can be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for easy entertaining. Stay tuned for our next post which is all about easy Italian desserts. Enjoy!
Italian White Bean Hummus
This Italian White Bean Hummus is ultra-silky, light, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Made with cannellini beans, fennel, tahini, and a simple simmering technique, it blends into a beautifully smooth hummus and is finished with a vibrant tomato, roasted red pepper, and olive topping.
Any Time of Year Italian Bruschetta
This delicious Italian Bruschetta, made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil and a splash of balsamic vinegar is easy to make and is ALWAYS a crowd-pleaser!
Franca's Fabulous Italian Mint Pesto
This super simple 4-ingredient Italian Mint Pesto recipe is a delicious fresh condiment that can be served as an appetizer with cheese, used as a dipping sauce for bread, drizzled on chicken, salmon, shrimp, pork and a zillion other things!
Sicilian Salmoriglio
Originating in sunny southern Italy, Sicilian Salmoriglio is a bright, vibrant lemon herb sauce that's fabulous on chicken, seafood, pork, steak, eggs, veggies... you name it!
Essence of Summer Caprese Salad
So easy to prepare, this Essence of Summer Caprese Salad makes a gorgeous presentation. It's delicious served on it's own, but also makes a wonderful side for grilled entrees.
Green Bean Caprese Salad
This flavorful Green Bean Caprese Salad combines slender green beans and baby potatoes with classic Caprese ingredients. The salad is finished off with a drizzle of delicious Lemon Basil Oil.
Ridiculously Easy Same-Day Focaccia
This Same-Day Focaccia, with large air bubbles and delicious, old-world flavor, takes less than 15 minutes of hands-on time and comes together in significantly less time than traditional, slow-rise focaccia bread.
No-Knead Italian-Style Dinner Rolls
These easy no-knead Italian-style dinner rolls have a crisp golden crust and a tender, chewy interior. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no kneading required, they're perfect for serving alongside pasta, soups, salads and other Italian-inspired meals.
Italian Tomato Salad (Insalata di Pomodori)
This fresh, vibrant tomato salad is bursting with sunny, Italian-inspired flavor! The recipe features a simple trick that concentrates the tomato's natural sweetness and ensures the bright, herby dressing doesn't get watered down!
Tuscan Kale Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
Think you don't like kale salad? Think again! This delicious Tuscan Kale Salad with crisp, buttery bread crumbs, salty, savory Parmesan and a fabulous lemon basil dressing will have the most adamant kale hater requesting seconds!
Slow Roasted Tomato Ancient Grain Salad
Think you need to avoid Italian food if you're trying to eat healthier? Nope! This fabulous ancient grain salad is loaded with all the delicious flavors of Italy minus the refined carbs and high-calorie counts!
Grilled Italian Chicken Skewers
Tender, juicy chicken skewers marinated in a flavorful tomato-herb marinade, grilled to perfection and basted with a bright lemon garlic rosemary sauce. These Italian Chicken Skewers are easy enough for weeknight dinners and special enough for entertaining.
Italian Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Salmon
This Italian Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Salmon is a quick and elegant skillet salmon recipe. Salmon fillets are rubbed with a savory spice blend, seared until golden and finished with fragrant garlic herb butter, sun-dried tomatoes and lemon.
Italian Grilled Chicken Breasts
If you think chicken breasts are dry and bland, think again! This Italian Grilled Chicken Breasts recipe yields golden-brown, juicy-tender, crazy-delicious results with minimal effort. The optional Salmoriglio sauce is the crowning glory!
Make-Ahead Italian Zucchini Involtini
With cheese-stuffed ribbons of zucchini nestled in an easy Italian sausage-tomato sauce, this delicious Zucchini Involtini is a fabulous make-ahead meal that's perfect for family dinners and entertaining!
Easy Pan-Seared Chicken Bruschetta
If you're in the mood for something healthy, satiating and fabulous, this super easy Pan-Seared Chicken Bruschetta is calling your name! Serve it with some crusty bread to sop up the delicious juices and you'll be hearing rave reviews from family, friends and guests!
Easy Sheet Pan Pizza Margherita with Crispy Focaccia Crust
This Easy Sheet Pan Pizza Margherita combines a fabulously crisp, airy focaccia crust with melty mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, a pesto drizzle and a shower of fresh basil. All baked to perfection on a sheet pan!
Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin
This Eggplant and Italian Sausage Gratin is bursting with delicious, universally beloved Italian flavor. It's a dinner party worthy meal that can be made in advance and just popped in the oven at the last minute!
Make-Ahead Basil Chicken Meatballs Parmesan
Looking for a make-ahead dish that everyone will love? These Basil Chicken Meatballs Parmesan are it! They're bursting with fabulous flavor and are perfect for weeknight family dinners and easy entertaining!
Italian Chicken and Spinach Ravioli Lasagna
This creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Ravioli Lasagna is an easy make-ahead white lasagna recipe with cheese ravioli, rotisserie chicken, spinach, mozzarella, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, and entertaining.
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