Here you’ll find delicious contorni recipes for any occasion. “Contorni” translated from Italian means “Side Dishes”. Singular term is “contorno”.
There are 2 more popular types of Italian contorno:
1. A simple salad that includes mostly raw veggies and sometimes other ingredients such as cheese, olives, tomatoes.
2. Simply cooked veggies. I especially love them because you can always use leftovers to make Italian Frittata the next day or make bigger batch an use it as a pasta sauce.
I’m sure you’ll love these tricks too!
Italian side dishes are not overpowering as their goal is to refresh your taste palette before moving to the dessert.
Having said that some types of contorni can be served as a meal in and of itself.
On this page you’ll find the best Contorni recipes to serve with your meat or fish main course.
Italian Frying Peppers is a variety of small sweet peppers that have elongated finger size shape. They are typically green but will turn red if allowed to ripen. They have nothing in coming with small peperoncini peppers (chili peppers) that they’re often called in English speaking world. Italian Frying Peppers are easier to digest than …
Green Beans in Tomato Sauce is one of those simple side dishes that can never go wrong. It pairs perfectly with meat and fish main courses. But a lot of times, especially on a hot summer we would eat just this. Simple yet filling plate of veggies. We might add a couple of slices of …
It’s like having a pizza, but low fat, low cal, and naturally gluten free 😊 Eggplants, hands down, is one of my favorite veggies. I love them in any shape, form and pairing. And so do I feel about pizza. But eating classic pizza too often is bad for the tummy and waistline, you know …
Are you tired of conventional steamed spinach or broccoli sides? This sauteed broccoli rabe will give you the perfect variety to classic healthy green sides. For those of you hearing about this leafy vegetable for the first time, let’s see what broccoli rabe actually is. What is Broccoli Rabe? Broccoli rabe is a green leafy …
These classic Green Beans and Potatoes is a delicious no-fuss dish that can be served in many different ways. Especially if you’re looking for simple, delicious, veggie filled side that with a couple of variations can turn into a hearty salad or even used to make frittata. Slightly crunchy green beans are paired with soft …
Eggplant Caponata or Aubergine Caponata is one of the golden staples of Sicilian cuisine. It’s one of the most famous appetizers that is never missing on a Holiday table, being that Christmas, Easter or a Birthday party. There are different versions of Caponata cooked in Palermo and Caponata from Catania. I’ll tell you all the …
Caprese Salad or Insalata Caprese or tomato, mozzarella and basil salad is a cult dish of Italian cuisine. It’s ready in less than 5 minutes and made with the most simple ingredients like sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese seasoned with basil leaves, oregano and extra virgin olive oil. Caprese salad originated in Campagna region on …
What do you guys expect from a summer salad that’s perfect as a side or all on its own? Should be refreshing? Yes. Succulent? Sure. Crunchy? Yes, please. How about sweet bites paired with notes of tangy arugula & balsamic? Yum. Add all bright summer colors? Love it. Takes like 5 minute to make? WANT …
My husband has been recently complaining that we have too much zucchini in the fridge. But if you think for a moment, how can you resist creamy zucchini pesto that can be used for pasta AND crostini, or pasta with zucchini, cherry tomatoes and bottarga. Or one of the summer favorites – skinny vegetable lasagna? …
This simple but utterly delicious Italian stuffed artichokes is classics that just can’t go wrong. Imagine, soft buttery petals paired with crunchy cheese, herbs and breadcrumb mix all with light and flavorful garlic taste. These artichokes are nothing short of epic! Italian stuffed artichokes can be served as an appetizer, main vegetarian course or paired …
Bright, flavorful and easy to make these Roasted Pumpkin Wedges is a perfect appetizer, side dish or even a whole light dinner! All it takes is few simple and awesome ingredients and roughly 40 minutes of time (and 5 minutes of actual work). If you’ve ever heard of a special type of Italian cured meat …
Creamy buttery artichokes are steamed in pressure cooker in less than 10 minutes. But the best part is of course the sauce! Delicate, savory and incredibly flavorful all at the same time, this green artichoke dipping sauce is truly legendary. And yes, you make the sauce while artichokes are cooking 😉 It’s best to use …
Are you always on the go? Or maybe tired of the same old veggie sides? These pressure cooker brussel sprouts is a total saver. Quite literally! Aside from instant noodle bowl, what else can you make in less than 5 minutes?? Brussel sprouts cook in pressure cooker for 3-4 minutes while maintaining all vitamins and …
Artichoke and Potato Casserole is one of winter and spring favorite side dishes. It goes perfectly with any main course such as chicken meat or fish. And even if you skip the meat or fish you’ll still have nutrient-rich and delicious meal. To make this artichoke casserole both fresh and frozen artichokes (including edible part …
Oven Roasted Eggplants Sardinian style is one of signature dishes my mother-in-law makes at home. She shared this recipe with me some time ago and it has become one of my favorites ever since. The original Italian name of these eggplants is Melanzane alla Sassarese. Sassari is a town in Northern Sardinia, and it’s just …
