15 Ways to Use Gremolata for Dinner

When it comes to quickly adding fresh flavor and color to your meals, nothing works better than gremolata. A mixture of chopped herbs, citrus zest, garlic, and sometimes anchovy, this Italian condiment livens up any dish. It packs a punch that helps balance out rich flavors, making you go back for bite after bite of whatever you’ve sprinkled it on. Try it on your favorite retro cheesy pasta dishes, in slow cooker stew recipes, or as the finishing touch on grilled pizzas. These 15 recipes will have you reaching for gremolata the next time you want to add some oomph to your meals.

Haddock With Shredded Veggies and Gremolata

Gremolata adds color and crunch to this dish of tender baked haddock. Almonds add a nutty depth of flavor to the meal. (via Panning the Globe)

Lemon Risotto

Risotto doesn’t have to be heavy. Here, a generous dose of lemon juice and zest balance out the rich texture of creamy Arborio rice. (via Port and Fin)

Spaghetti With Olives and Pine Nut Gremolata

With capers, olives, and red pepper, there’s no way you’d guess that this spaghetti was vegan. (via Pinch and Swirl)

Scallops With Pea Puree and Crispy Pancetta

Sweet peas make for a surprisingly luscious puree, and a perfect bed for any protein. Scallops, sweet in their own right, are the perfect accompaniment, especially with some herbs and lemon zest sprinkled on top to bring in some acid. (via Belly Full)

Sumac Roasted Salmon With Almond Gremolata

Tangy sumac, herbaceous gremolata, and pungent horseradish cream cut through the rich fish. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Braised Beef Cheeks With Chickpeas and Kale

Tender braised beef cheeks are even better when paired with a bevy of veggies. Gremolata and avocado add a cooling, herbal element to your bowl. (via Salt n Pepper Here)

Linguine With Sardines and Fried Caper Gremolata

Fried capers take on a surprisingly nutty taste in this dish. They’re tossed with parsley, lemon, and breadcrumbs, to top a pan of linguine and sardines. (via Carolyn’s Cooking)

Potato, Parsnip, and Leek Soup

Roasted parsnips add a pleasantly sweet flavor to this soup, which is balanced out by plenty of leeks and garlic. Potatoes keep things nice and creamy. (via Natural Girl Modern World)

Braised Lamb Shoulder

Keep braised meats from getting too overwhelmingly heavy by adding fresh ingredients at every level. Build your plate with mint-flecked mashed potatoes, and then top your finished plate with plenty of gremolata. (via The Wooden Skillet)

Garlic and Herb Pork Chops

Pork chops get a nice, smokey flavor on the grill. Pair them with a simple side, like Israeli couscous, for a satisfying meal. (via No Spoon Necessary)

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

The slow cooker saves dinner again with this recipe, making easy work of this long-simmered short rib ragu. Toss with pappardelle and a zingy horseradish gremolata. (via Host the Toast)

Sweet Corn Soup With Gremolata

With its high starch content, corn makes for a surprisingly smooth and creamy soup. Tame its inherent sweetness with a pungent garlic and herb topping. (via Our Salty Kitchen)

Grilled Shrimp Scampi

Succulent skewers of grilled shrimp are always a fun meal. Eat them on their own, tucked into a pita, or with a side of veggies. (via A Gouda Life)

Orecchiette With Kale, Turkey Sausage, and Gremolata

Turkey sausage helps lighten up this pasta dish. Orecchiette scoops up all of the good stuff, so each bite is bursting with flavor. (via The Foodie Physician)

Baked Beef Short Ribs

Baked short ribs become meltingly tender after being cooked low and slow. Each juicy bite is only enhanced by a topping of gremolata. (via Kevin is Cooking)