Our 12 Favorite Italian-Inspired Recipes for Dining Al Fresco
Daydreaming of Italy but don’t have any travel plans in your future? Trust us, you’re not alone! It feels like every time we open Instagram, there they are—our friends traipsing around the Italian countryside, sippin’ on spritzes and living la bella vita.
But here’s the deal: While we might not have our boarding passes stamped for the Amalfi coast just yet, we’re still channeling our inner Italiano and dining al fresco.
Check below for Italian-inspired recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance the tarantella. Cheers!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your next gathering!
WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO WITH TRUFFLE OIL
Creamy, comforting and filling—we simply had to give the spotlight to this Italian star.
Savor the soul-warming goodness of arborio rice, infused with earthy wild mushrooms and elevated with a drizzle of truffle oil. Buon appetito!
LINGUINE WITH PANCETTA, PEAS AND MINT
Some things are better together. And this dish is living proof of one timeless union.
Embrace the harmony of fresh peas, mint and pancetta, as each bite becomes a symphony of classic flavors.
LINGUINE WITH CLAMS AND WHITE WINE SAUCE
Any meal that is prepared, cooked and on the table within 30 minutes is a real winner.
It’s easy, elegant and equally perfect for a quick dinner out on the patio or at any summer potluck. In other words, it’s the al fresco signature dish.
GRILLED MUSHROOM, CHEVRE AND PROSCIUTTO PIZZA WITH GARLIC WHITE SAUCE
It’s loaded with a base of the creamiest (and easiest!) garlic white sauce and topped with savory mushrooms, delicious chevre and salty prosciutto.
Feeling a little cheesy? Create a true Italiano experience by adding some torn burrata, dollops of goat cheese or fresh ricotta for an extra creamy finish.
Get the Grilled Mushroom, Chevre and Prosciutto with Garlic White Sauce recipe!
QUICK VEAL OSSO BUCCO WITH GREMOLATA
A true taste of Italian indulgence… tender veal shanks, braised to perfection in a flavorful tomato and wine sauce, create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make.
The best part? The zesty gremolata, with its bright blend of lemons, garlic and parsley, adds the finishing touch to this classic masterpiece.
PASTA WITH BABY ARTICHOKES, MASCARPONE AND HAZELNUTS
Experience the divine flavors that whisk you away to the heart of Italy. With each bite, you’ll find yourself craving more of this savory and nutty goodness.
Chef’s Note: If you can’t find baby artichokes, the hearts of two whole artichokes will work as well.
Get the Pasta with Baby Artichokes, Mascarpone and Hazelnuts recipe!
CLASSIC PIZZA MARGHERITA
What’s an Italian feast without Margherita pizza?
Whether you’re a pizza purist or just a fan of the cuisine, this classic Italian recipe is an absolute must-try and features San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil. Fire up the oven and enjoy!
ITALIAN MERINGUE RECIPE
TBH, it’s the most stable and stylish type of meringue there ever is. From its glossy peaks to its pillowy texture, this dessert recipe is the perfect finishing component for cakes, pies or pastries.
Chef’s Note: You can scale the recipe as needed for larger quantities by doubling the sugar to egg white ratio.
CARBONARA BY CHEF MARC VETRI
Tie on your apron, embrace your inner Italian chef and get ready for a taste of la dolce vita.
Velvety egg yolks, salty Pecorino Romano and crispy pancetta dance together to create a creamy sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. Best paired with a pinot noir to leave you dreaming of the cobblestone streets of Rome.
APEROL SPRITZ SANGRIA
Raise your glasses and toast to the sip of summer bliss!
The fusion of two classic favorites bursts with citrusy brightness and fruity undertones. Serve it over ice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a dainty orange slice for that picture-perfect finishing touch.
CACIO E PEPE WITH SPRING VEGGIES AND CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
Experience a love affair of flavors: tender pasta in velvety pecorino, accented by spring veggies like crisp peas, asparagus and sweet cherry tomatoes. And don’t forget the golden-brown crispy prosciutto for that gourmet touch.
Get the Cacio e Pepe with Spring Veggies and Crispy Prosciutto recipe!
GRILLED PROSCIUTTO AND MELON WITH OLIVE OIL
It’s the al fresco dish of our dreams.
Served as a summer snack, appetizer and even dinner, the succulent melon slices are kissed by the flames of the grill, unlocking their natural sweetness and infusing them with a tantalizing smokiness.
The best part? It’s a no-fuss Italian recipe and comes together in no time.
Get the Grilled Prosciutto and Melon with Olive Oil recipe!
Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas & inspo for your next gathering!
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