3 Delicious Italian Lunch Recipes from Giada de Laurentiis

I'm always coming up with new versions of the charcuterie-packed muffuletta sandwich because it's a guaranteed hit, especially at a picnic or the beach. You can make it in advance—the longer it sits, the better it gets—and it's so full of meat, cheese, and greens that you don't need to serve anything else. When I was a kid, my mom used to pack it for me for lunch at school. It was the Italian version of a bologna sandwich, and I definitely got some curious looks from my classmates, but I was too satisfied with its tender goodness to care. My special ingredient? Basil-almond pesto. I love the bright and herby sauce so much that I usually make a double batch and serve it over chicken or pork, or toss it in pasta or rice. Heaven!

Get the recipe: Marinated Salumi Sandwiches

As a kid, my family regularly enjoyed tuna salad with our Sunday lunches—probably because it could sit and marinate while my mom and aunt Raffy made other dishes for our big Sunday supper. My mom would then use the leftovers in sandwiches throughout the week, packing them up for picnic or poolside snacks and school lunches. When I opened my restaurant in Vegas, I wanted to elevate those familiar, favorite tastes to an elegant open-faced version. I just love the way the toasted English muffins soak up all the flavors in their nooks while still staying light and crispy. And the cheesy white-bean spread—a perfect counterpoint to the zesty tuna mixture—is so creamy that you’ll never miss the mayo, which my family never used.

Get the recipe: Sicilian Tuna Salad Sandwich

While spending time in Positano, I was served a version of this dish as an amuse-bouche at a beachside restaurant called Le Tre Sorelle. The pizzas are so much fun to make with Jade and her friends back home, and they are also a great light lunch or snack.

Get the recipe: Positano Pizzas