Italian Family Dinner
There’s something so special about cooking dinner for loved ones, I love the time of day in the evening when we all gather around the table to enjoy good food and great company. I recently hosted a dinner for some family friends and I wanted to create a menu that was not only delicious but also healthy—something everyone could enjoy. Here are the three recipes I made, each one perfect for a summer gathering.
Peach Mozzarella Salad
This Peach Salad is the perfect summer starter—light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and the tangy balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 ball of mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Method:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves to the bowl, tossing them in the dressing.
- Add the peach slices and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve.
Spaghetti Veggie Pasta
This Pasta with Veggies is a hearty, nutritious dish packed with colorful vegetables and rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 white onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 zucchini, diced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 cup bone broth
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup of basil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Spaghetti
Method:
- Cook the spaghetti, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
- Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the bone broth and chopped tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, then toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
Marinara Meatballs
These Meatballs are a delicious and healthy take on a classic dish. They’re juicy, flavorful, and the perfect main course.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
Marinara sauce:
- 1 white onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 cup bone broth
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 Tomatoes
- Salt & pepper
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, soak the almond flour in milk for a few minutes until it absorbs the liquid.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, soaked almond flour, cilantro, onion powder, oregano, eggs, cheese, and chopped onion until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- Pour the marinara sauce on top and enjoy!
I hope these recipes inspire you to create your own healthy, delicious meal for your next family gathering. Cooking for loved ones is one of life’s simple pleasures, and with these dishes, you can share that joy while keeping things nutritious and flavorful. Happy cooking!
Other Posts You'll Like
EXPLORE
Connect with me and start your healthy lifestyle
EXPLORE
NEED HELP?
Connect with me and start your healthy lifestyle