I’ve categorised this as a salad, but it really is so much more. Inspired by the classic Caesar salad, I’ve added chicken, which is a common additional extra, and my Italian spin of crispy prosciutto and farfalle (butterfly) pasta, which makes this a complete, deliciously tasty, meal. Great for an easy dinner, and leftovers make…
Vegetables/Salads
Balsamic Roasted Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts and broccoli – think again. This tasty dish of roasted balsamic greens will convert anyone! Believe me! Growing up, I referred to broccoli as my ‘spew food’. It wasn’t just the smell of it; it was the memory. Well, a particular memory actually. When I was young,…
Potato Salad – Italian Style
This potato salad is gutsy and full of flavor. The dressing contains bacon, capsicum, onion, garlic and oregano, all bathed in red wine vinegar and olive oil. By tossing the hot cooked potatoes into the warm dressing, they absorb all that incredible flavor. The salad keeps well too, the flavours improve the longer it sits….
Broccolini with Leafy Greens, Garlic and Chilli
Growing up I absolutely hated broccoli. Just the smell of it would make my stomach turn. My dad would eat ‘Pasta e Broccoli’ which was basically white spaghetti tossed with olive oil, garlic, chilli and cooked broccoli. I’m talking really cooked broccoli. Mum would cook it until it was so soft you could practically mash…
Italian Bean Salad
This salad recipe doesn’t appear to be anything exciting, but I guarantee once you make it you will be hooked. The mix of oregano, garlic, onion, vinegar and olive oil transform the humble garden bean into something surprisingly addictive (even if beans aren’t your thing). This salad is from my late grandmother’s kitchen, originating from…
Simple Green Salad
You know when you follow a recipe for something new and at the end, it suggests serving with a ‘simple green salad’? This is that salad. I’m almost embarrassed to write about it, it’s just so simple, something I throw together without even thinking about. It isn’t something I weigh, use spoon or cup measures….
Roasted Pumpkin, Prosciutto and Parmesan Salad
The concept of ‘salad’ has changed a lot over the years. Growing up, salad for me meant crisp green leaves, sliced cucumber, salt, olive oil and a little white vinegar. Or garden ripe tomatoes with sliced garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt and olive oil. My Nonna made an epic bean salad, beans fresh from…
Peperonata
I can remember big bowls of this peperonata at every family barbecue of my childhood. I was a fussy child and would have avoided it then because, as children often do, I had decided I didn’t like capsicum or eggplant, so refused to even try it. How much I missed. A mixture of onion, red…
Eggplant Involtini
Growing up, my family always grew eggplant in the garden. When they were in season, they’d be everywhere. Beautiful purple shiny fruit, ready to be turned into many incredible, yet simple, Italian dishes. I would love Mum’s Pepperonata, usually made when we had a family barbecue and served on a large platter to share. Mum also…
Tuna, Avocado, Tomato and Cannellini Bean Salad
I often whip this up for a quick and healthy lunch for one, but it makes a fantastic salad. Rich with nutrients, it’s also gluten, dairy and sugar free! This is pure pantry staple heaven in a bowl. A quick no fuss lunch that just makes you feel good inside. I like to use Sirena…
