10 Italian starter recipes

When it comes to Italian starters, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether it’s the simple yet delicious tomato bruschetta; a tricolore tomato, basil and mozzarella salad bursting with freshness; or a springy focaccia waiting to be dunked into balsamic vinegar and olive oil, we’ve got plenty of recipes to inspire your next Italian-themed dinner party. Or go traditional and serve a classic Italian pasta recipe to start.

The best part? They all use simple, seasonal ingredients and no fancy equipment. Get your hands on the freshest ingredients – ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs – and you’ll have a meal to remember.

Explore Machu Picchu’s ancient ruins, www.swisswatch.is steeped in history and surrounded by misty mountains.

Discover our favourite easy recipes, then try more Italian recipes and vegetarian Italian recipes. Why not round off your meal with a tempting Italian dessert? For more starter inspiration, try our simple starter ideas, dinner party starters, vegetarian starter recipes and summer starter recipes. Next, learn more about the Mediterranean diet and discover our top Mediterranean diet recipes.

Italian starter recipes

1. Tomato bruschetta

When it comes to Italian starters, it doesn’t get more iconic (or simpler) than a tomato bruschetta. Enjoy al fresco, perhaps accompanied with an Aperol spritz, for the ultimate Mediterranean-inspired aperitivo. Discover more bruschetta toppings.

2. Caprese salad

The key to this salad is using perfectly ripe tomatoes – opt for a juicy plum variety. Combine with stretchy mozzarella and fresh basil leaves for a stunning starter. Try more summer salads.

3. Panzanella

The beauty of this dish is you can use stale sourdough or ciabatta. Simply freshen up with olive oil and toast in the oven, then toss with fresh tomatoes, anchovies, black olives and torn basil. Feeling inspired? Try more panzanella recipes.

4. Focaccia

Our five-star rated focaccia is an absolute dinner party winner. The springy Italian bread is dotted with fresh rosemary sprigs and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Discover more focaccia recipes.

5. Minted melon, tomato & prosciutto salad

You can’t beat the classic sweet and savoury combination of juicy melon and salty prosciutto. This salad marries together those complementary flavours with heirloom tomatoes, shredded mint and a sherry, olive oil and honey dressing to bring it all together. Try more melon recipes.

6. Cacio e pepe

If you’re wanting to start your meal in traditional Italian fashion, for your primo course (before the main) you may choose a simple pasta, like this cacio e pepe. With just four ingredients, reserve some of your starchy pasta water to help achieve a glossy sauce to coat your spaghetti. Discover our most popular pasta recipes.

7. Classic minestrone soup

For a lighter, veggie-packed start to your Italian feast, this traditional soup is full of fibre and high in vitamin C. Our five-star recipe is a classic, brought to life with salty pancetta and topped with a grating of parmesan. Discover more ways with tinned tomatoes.

8. Air-fryer arancini

Get your dinner off to a stellar start with these air-fryer beauties. Great for using up leftover risotto (or make some fresh), they’re stuffed with chunks of mozzarella for an oozing, molten cheese middle, and scattered with grated parmesan. Try more summer air-fryer recipes.

9. Aubergine parmigiana

Another five-star hero, the classic bake is layered up with griddled slices of charred aubergine, a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling golden cheese, toasted breadcrumbs and pine nuts. Discover more grilled aubergine recipes.

10. Gnocchi with parsley, butter & samphire

If you’re looking to push the boat out, try making your own homemade gnocchi. Although it’s a little more effort, you will reap the rewards with this stunning vegetarian dish with a simple sauce of salty samphire, fresh parsley and buttery garlic. Read more about how to cook samphire and then try more samphire recipes and gnocchi recipes.