13 Must-Try Italian Dishes

Italian cuisine is a must for any food lover, offering everything from Meatballs to Antipasto. Whether you prefer hearty comfort foods or lighter, flavorful dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. These 13 must-try dishes are a true celebration of Italian culinary tradition.

Italian Salmon Salad

A bowl of salad with grilled salmon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, artichokes, red onion, and mixed greens. Two forks are placed on a gray napkin beside it. — Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

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Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, Italian Salmon Salad is a healthy meal for any time of the day. Featuring tender, flaky salmon, crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious. To learn more: Italian Salmon Salad.

Authentic Italian Basil Pesto Pesto Genovese

A jar of green pesto with a spoon inside, surrounded by sliced bread topped with pesto, on a patterned cloth. — Image Credit: XOXO Bella.

Experience the rich, authentic flavors of Italy with our Basil Pesto Genovese. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil, this classic sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. To learn more: Authentic Italian Basil Pesto Pesto Genovese.

Cold Zucchini Pasta Salad

A bowl of spiralized zucchini salad with cherry tomatoes, red onions, and herbs. Wooden utensils and loose tomatoes are nearby on a light surface. — Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

This Cold Zucchini Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, a tangy dressing, and plenty of crunch. Ideal for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish, it’s a flavorful way to enjoy zucchini in a whole new way. To learn more: Cold Zucchini Pasta Salad.

Easy Baked Ricotta

Baked cheese dip in a round dish, garnished with herbs. Toasted bread slices and roasted cherry tomatoes are on the side. — Image Credit: Enza’s Quail Hollow Kitchen.

Try this Easy Baked Ricotta recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and golden, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or fresh veggies. Ready in minutes, it’s a simple dish that feels fancy. To learn more: Easy Baked Ricotta.

Antipasto Chopped Salad

A bowl of salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, salami, olives, artichokes, and grated cheese. — Image Credit: Mamas on a Budget.

Try this Antipasto Chopped Salad, packed with crisp veggies, tangy cheeses, and savory meats—all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. To learn more: Antipasto Chopped Salad.

Italian Quinoa Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, placed on a white surface next to a fork and napkin. — Image Credit: Bites of Wellness.

Light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Italian Quinoa Salad is a healthy dish for any occasion. Packed with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s a delicious way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Whether as a side or a main, it’s easy to prepare and full of nutrients. To learn more: Italian Quinoa Salad.

Authentic Italian Giardiniera Recipe

Bowl of mixed pickled vegetables including carrots, peppers, and cauliflower on a wooden table with additional vegetables and jars in the background. — Image Credit: XOXO Bella.

Discover the secrets to making authentic Italian giardiniera, a tangy and flavorful pickled vegetable medley for sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone snack. This easy-to-follow recipe combines crisp vegetables, vinegar, and just the right amount of spice for a classic Italian treat. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, this homemade giardiniera is sure to elevate any dish. To learn more: Authentic Italian Giardiniera Recipe.

Italian Salad

A glass bowl of mixed salad with lettuce, olives, tomatoes, croutons, and peppers, surrounded by olive oil, herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a red checkered cloth. — Image Credit: Family Dinners.

Italian salad combines crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, and shaved Parmesan, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Great as a side dish or light lunch, it’s a classic that never disappoints. To learn more: Italian Salad.

Breaded Italian Pork Chops

A plate with several pieces of breaded and fried chicken schnitzel garnished with green herbs. A fork is placed beside the plate on a light surface. — Image Credit: Cooking with Mamma C.

Juicy, tender, and coated in a crispy Italian-seasoned breadcrumb crust, these Breaded Italian Pork Chops are a weeknight dinner favorite. Enjoy them pan-fried or baked, they deliver classic flavors with minimal effort. Pair them with a fresh salad or pasta for a complete, satisfying meal. To learn more: Breaded Italian Pork Chops.

Baked Italian Meatballs Beef

A bowl of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce and seasoned meatballs, garnished with chopped basil. — Image Credit: On My Kids Plate.

These Baked Italian Meatballs are the amazing blend of juicy beef, savory herbs, and rich spices, all baked to perfection. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or pasta for a comforting, classic Italian meal. To learn more: Baked Italian Meatballs Beef.

One Pot Italian Pasta

A blue pot on a stove filled with spiral pasta, ground meat, mushrooms, and chopped herbs in a tomato-based sauce. — Image Credit: Fearless Dining.

This One Pot Italian Pasta is the great solution for busy weeknights! Packed with rich flavors, it combines pasta, fresh veggies, and a hearty sauce all cooked in one pot—less mess, more deliciousness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers. To learn more: One Pot Italian Pasta.

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Italian Style

A white rectangular plate with several browned meatballs garnished with chopped parsley. A striped cloth is in the background. — Image Credit: Slow The Cook Down.

These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Italian Style are packed with classic flavors like garlic, parsley, and parmesan. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re ready in minutes and great for pasta, subs, or as a snack. To learn more: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs Italian Style.

Caprese Salad Recipe

A plate of caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil leaves, olive oil, and pepper. — Image Credit: The Sidesmith.

Learn how to make a simple and delicious Caprese salad with this easy recipe! Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together for a classic dish perfect as a side or light meal. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for the finishing touch. To learn more: Caprese Salad Recipe.