Labor Day is almost here. This year, grill with an Italian flair. Try out some grilled versions of familiar Italian classics and really wow your friends and family.
Hot coals ready for another Labor Day. Photo from Shutterstock copyright Arina P Habich.
Labor Day is right around the corner and you know what that means: one last chance to fire up the grill before the Autumn weather kicks in. This Labor Day, why don’t you put a twist on your old grilling ideas and give them new life? It’s time you started grilling with an Italian flair! 
The notion of grilling has taken on a distinctly American connotation in recent years, but grilling remains deeply rooted in Italian cookery as well. Vegetables, meats, bread, even fruit. If it’s edible then you can bet it has made its way to an Italian grill at some point. So, if you’re looking for something a little different when planning your next cookout, you might want to try it Italian-style. Spiedini are one of the many ways Italians enjoy grilled food. They are the equivalent of a shish-kebab or skewer.
However, spiedini aren’t the end of the grilling possibilities. Grilled pizza has become quite popular and plays host to a multitude of toppings and ingredients. Grilled seafood like lobsters or clams have also graced the hot coals lately. The options are pretty much limitless.
Here’s some delicious recipes to help jump start your Labor Day grilling plans!
Grilled Panzanella Salad
Grilled Panzanella Salad. Photo from Shutterstock copyright Petroos.
Panzanella is a traditional Italian bread salad. Normally, the bread is toasted, but grilling the bread brings a whole new depth of flavor, and gives the salad a smokey, charred sort of taste. Amp the flavor even more but rubbing fresh garlic on the bread as soon as it comes off the grill. Check out The Italian Dish for a detailed recipe!
Clams Oreganata on the Grill
Grilled clams. Photo from Shutterstock copyright Romiana Lee.
Clams Oreganata was already delicious, but tossing some onto the grill really increases the flavor. There’s something about the heat and smoke that helps accentuate the natural, salty flavor of the clams. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and a little garlic, and you’ve got a wonderful dish, ready to go! See Jovina Coughlin for the full recipe!
Tomato Salad Grilled Pizza
Tomato Salad Grilled Pizza. Photo courtesy of Chelsia Rief.
Look familiar? That’s because this recipe has been featured before! Grilled pizza is becoming quite the popular item. The grill lets the crust get perfectly toasted, while also imparting a smokiness to the rest of the ingredients on the pizza. A perfect combination!
Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken
Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken fresh off the grill. Photo from Shutterstock copyright alisafarov.
You really can’t get much better than this recipe. Salty Prosciutto dripping onto and flavoring the chicken as it all cooks. Delicious! It’s the type of large entree you’d expect from Italian cooking, but one that won’t leave you feeling bloated or sleepy once you’re done enjoying it. Check out the recipe here!
This Labor Day, try grilling with an Italian flair. Try out some grilled versions of familiar Italian classics and really wow your friends and family!
Buon Appetito!
