Straight outta nonna’s kitchen: Italian gems revealed

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Step into the heart of Italy with hidden gems straight from Nonna’s kitchen. Each dish offers a taste of tradition and a story from generations past. These Italian classics bring a bit of Italy to your table with their rich history and authentic techniques. Experience the essence of Italian cooking, where every bite tells a tale of family and heritage.

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Caprese Appetizer

Image shows an overhead shot of Caprese Bites on a wooden board.
Caprese Appetizer. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Straight from a classic Italian kitchen, Caprese Appetizer blends tradition with freshness. Ideal for a light start to any meal, this dish offers a pleasant introduction to the flavors of Italy. Often enjoyed alongside crisp wines, it sets a sociable mood at gatherings. It’s not just a meal starter but a conversation starter as well.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Appetizer

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

A plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo garnished with chopped parsley.
Vegan Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Alfredo Pasta proves you don’t need traditional ingredients to enjoy the rich, comforting taste of Italy. It’s crafted to match the creaminess of its non-vegan counterparts, tailored for those who adhere to a plant-based lifestyle. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this pasta dish brings warmth and fulfillment to your dining table. It’s proof that Italian cooking can be both inclusive and incredibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Air Fryer Pizza

A pizza is being cooked in an air fryer.
Air Fryer Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone enjoys a quick meal, and Air Fryer Pizza ticks all the boxes for convenience and taste. This innovative approach to a beloved classic shortens cooking time without compromising on the crispy texture of the crust. It’s a favorite for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, but so is flavor. Gathering around this dish, families can enjoy more time dining and less time waiting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza

Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl.
Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re craving something hearty yet light, look no further. Pasta Primavera is a dish that brings the freshness of the garden straight to your plate, offering a taste of Italy that’s hard to beat. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with love and a touch of tradition, it’s a classic that never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Think of this sitting in a cozy Italian kitchen with a plate of Asparagus and White Bean Risotto in front of you. It blends the earthy taste of asparagus with the rich, comforting texture of white beans. Ideal for those cooler evenings or when you simply want a touch of comfort food, this recipe is a testament to the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking. Warm, inviting, and utterly satisfying, it’s a dish that speaks of home.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family meal, Macaroni Salad takes a beloved classic and gives it an Italian twist. It’s quick, easy to make, and bursting with fresh flavors, standing out in any spread. Whether served as a side or the main event, it brings a touch of Italian sunshine to any table. Rally your friends and family because this macaroni salad is meant to be shared.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For a dish that whispers the comfort of home cooking while packing a punch of elegance, turn your attention here. Each spoonful is a blend of sweet corn’s subtle sweetness with the delicate, oniony flavor of leeks. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto is a favorite for its comforting texture and its ability to turn a normal dinner into something special. Comfort food with a gourmet twist, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Biting into one of these is like taking a mini vacation to Italy during the summer. They combine the classic flavors of Caprese salad with a flaky tart base and a rich pesto. Perfect for gatherings, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a solo treat, Caprese Pesto Tarts are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale brings the rustic charm of Tuscany right into your kitchen. Combining hearty white beans with the earthy tones of kale, it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients. It’s not only nourishing but also packed with flavors that have stood the test of time in Italian cooking. Serve it up on a chilly evening for a meal that’s both warming and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

There’s something utterly comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when it comes with a twist. The nutty, rich sauce made from walnuts is a lesser-known Italian gem that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta is a simple dish with a lot of character, perfect for those evenings when you want something both nourishing and unique. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Mushroom Pizza

Mushroom pizza sliced and ready to eat.
Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says pizza can’t be gourmet? This version brings the earthy flavors of mushrooms front and center, proving that sometimes simplicity is best. It’s a go-to for pizza nights when you want to step up your game without stepping out of your comfort zone. Gather your family around the table for this Mushroom Pizza; it’s a shared meal that brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers on a serving dish with balsamic glaze drizzled over.
Caprese Skewers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a quick, no-fuss appetizer that still packs a punch of Italian elegance, Caprese Skewers is your go-to. They’re simple, refreshing, and encapsulate the essence of Italy in every bite. Ideal for hot summer days, garden parties, or as a starter to a larger feast, they’re versatile and universally loved. Share them with friends and watch them disappear in moments.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers

Greek Pizza

Greek pizza, sliced on a board.
Greek Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Take a detour to the Mediterranean with a twist on the traditional pizza that incorporates flavors from Greece. It’s a fusion that works incredibly well, offering a refreshing change from the usual. For those nights when you can’t decide between Italian or Greek, this Greek Pizza offers the best of both worlds. It’s a fun, flavorful, and easy way to shake up pizza night.
Get the Recipe: Greek Pizza

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, all you need is a dish that feels like a breath of fresh air, and Lemon Pasta is exactly that. Light, with a citrusy kick, it’s like summertime on a plate. Perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, it’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. With its bright flavors, it’s a refreshing take on traditional pasta that you’ll want to make over and over.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Italian Seasoning

A bowl filled with Italian seasoning.
Italian Seasoning. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t underestimate the power of the right blend of herbs to transport your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With roots deep in Italian culinary tradition, this Italian Seasoning is versatile enough to sprinkle over almost anything for an instant flavor boost. Keeping a batch on hand means you’re always ready to infuse a bit of Italy into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Italian Seasoning

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