11 Italian Sides That Shine on Any Table

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Garlic Knots

These garlic knots are soft, fluffy, and practically melt in your mouth with every bite. Brushed with a rich, flavorful herb butter made from garlic, parsley, and a hint of Parmesan, they’re the kind of side dish that disappears fast. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, pizza, or just enjoying them on their own, they’re always a hit. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make—no fancy techniques needed, just simple ingredients and foolproof steps. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

This Peach Tomato Caprese Salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Juicy, sun-ripened peaches and sweet tomatoes come together with creamy fresh mozzarella to create a delicious balance of flavors. Fragrant basil adds a pop of herbaceous freshness, while tender greens give the salad a light and delicate base. It’s the perfect summertime dish—bright, colorful, and bursting with seasonal goodness. Whether served as a side or a light lunch, it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
Get the Recipe: Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

Traeger Bruschetta

Traeger Bruschetta takes the beloved Italian appetizer and gives it a deliciously smoky upgrade. Instead of simply toasting the bread, it's grilled on a Traeger, infusing each slice with a subtle wood-fired flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh toppings. Juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a hint of garlic still shine, but the added smokiness adds a whole new layer of depth. It’s a simple twist that makes a big impact, perfect for summer gatherings or when you want to impress with something a little different. This version is sure to win over fans of both traditional bruschetta and backyard grilling.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Bruschetta

Easy Tomato Focaccia

I’ve always been a huge fan of both focaccia and pizza, so combining the two just felt like the ultimate comfort food win. This Easy Tomato Focaccia Bread turns fluffy, olive oil-rich focaccia into a pizza-inspired creation that’s incredibly satisfying. With its golden, slightly crisp edges and juicy tomato topping, it brings back memories of those rectangular slices from school lunches—but with a serious flavor upgrade. It’s nostalgic in all the right ways, yet tastes far more delicious and grown-up. If you love the cozy feel of homemade bread and the bold flavors of pizza, this one’s a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Focaccia

Basic Polenta

Polenta—sometimes called corn pudding, grits, porridge, or corn mush depending on where you're from—is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty and savory or prefer a comforting sweet version, polenta has you covered for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple base recipe is the perfect starting point, allowing you to dress it up with your favorite ingredients or flavors. It’s easy to make and even easier to love, especially once you find the combination that makes your family ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto

This Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto is the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion, even if you're just enjoying it at home on a weeknight. Creamy, perfectly cooked risotto is infused with the delicate sweetness of sautéed leeks and the deep, earthy flavor of a rich truffle purée. A medley of tender mushrooms adds a savory, umami-packed bite that makes each forkful incredibly satisfying. Finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, this comforting Italian classic delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every luxurious spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Truffle Mushroom and Leek Risotto

Italian Wedding Soup

Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Italian Wedding Soup brings a homemade touch to a classic favorite. Made with tender beef meatballs, vibrant vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery, and simmered in a seasoned chicken broth infused with garlic, dill, and Italian herbs, every spoonful is hearty and satisfying. The addition of pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese ties it all together, creating a delicious balance of texture and taste. Ready in just 40 minutes on the stovetop, it's a surprisingly easy meal that feels like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. Serve it in a crusty bread bowl for an extra-special touch—perfect for chilly nights or sharing with loved ones around the table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Panzanella Salad

Bursting with fresh, juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, panzanella salad is a delicious celebration of summer's best flavors. This rustic Italian bread salad combines simple ingredients in the most satisfying way, making it a favorite during warm-weather months. The chunks of crusty bread soak up all the vibrant juices and vinaigrette, creating a dish that's both hearty and refreshing. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or craving a light, flavorful lunch, this easy salad fits the moment perfectly. It's the kind of meal that feels effortless yet special every time you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These tender jumbo pasta shells are generously stuffed with a luscious mixture of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. Once filled, they’re nestled into a baking dish, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and baked until the cheese is melty and golden on top. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant finish that balances the richness beautifully. The best part? This cozy, satisfying vegetarian dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

White Bean and Tomato Soup

This White Bean and Tomato Soup is a warm, hearty meal that comes together quickly—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with simple pantry staples like canned diced tomatoes and white beans, it gets a fresh boost from baby spinach and a sprinkle of bright parsley. Grated Pecorino Romano adds a savory depth, and a slice of crusty bread—whether ciabatta, sourdough, or French baguette—makes it feel like a complete, satisfying meal. It’s easy to adapt, too: swap in vegetable stock for a vegetarian twist or skip the cheese for a fully vegan version. This is the kind of cozy, fuss-free soup you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Get the Recipe: White Bean and Tomato Soup

Antipasto Salad

If you're a fan of bold Italian flavors, you're in for a real treat with this hearty antipasto salad. It brings together all the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter—think savory cured meats, a variety of cheeses, marinated vegetables, and briny olives—all tossed into one delicious and colorful bowl. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes, from creamy to crunchy and tangy to salty. It's the kind of salad that feels like a meal on its own, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you're hosting guests or just craving something flavorful, this salad hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad