In Italy side dishes are known as contorni, and generally consists of a salad or cooked vegetables such as courgettes and artichokes. A contorno will follow the primo (starter or pasta course) and sit alongside the secondo, the main course usually comprising meat or fish.

This collection of side dish recipes aims to provide inspiration for enhancing your Italian dinner menu. Daniele Usai's Milk bread recipe makes richly flavoured rolls perfect for serving alongside roast meat or dipping into a stew or soup, and can also make a light lunch feel that bit more special. While undoubtedly decadent enough to serve as a starter in itself, Alessandro Gavagna's Courgette flower recipe would make a fabulous side salad on a menu designed to impress.