When a long, hectic week leaves me craving something fresh and exciting, I often find myself turning to my secret weapon: Italian sushi. This delightful fusion brings together the savory goodness of prosciutto, the creaminess of burrata, and the vibrant crunch of fresh greens, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare. You might be surprised to learn how simple it is to roll up a mouthwatering creation that not only impresses but also satisfies!
Imagine serving these beautiful, bite-sized bites at your next gathering, or enjoying them as a light dinner paired with a glass of wine. The versatility of this dish makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. I can almost taste the symphony of flavors bursting in my mouth—all without the hassle of traditional sushi techniques!
Ready to step away from fast food and into a more flavorful world? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe for Italian sushi!
Why is Italian Sushi a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its finest: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can make a stunning dish!
Bold flavor combinations: The mix of savory prosciutto, creamy burrata, and fresh greens creates a taste sensation that you won’t forget.
Versatile serving options: Whether as a light meal or a party appetizer, these rolls will wow your guests.
Healthy indulgence: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a guilt-free treat.
Don’t forget to explore other light lunches for inspiration, as you won’t want to miss out on these delicious options!
Italian Sushi Ingredients
• Gather your ingredients for a deliciously fresh Italian sushi experience!
For the Filling
- Prosciutto – a delicate, salty balance that adds robust flavor to each bite.
- Italian salami – adds a layer of spice and richness to complement the prosciutto.
- Fresh basil leaves – provides a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates every roll.
- Arugula or spinach – these greens add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to the sushi.
- Burrata – this creamy cheese pulls the flavors together for a luxurious finish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – a tangy element that gives depth and sweetness to the filling.
For Seasoning and Assembly
- Kosher salt – sprinkle to enhance all those delightful flavors in the rolls.
- Black pepper – adds a pinch of spice to the mix for a taste awakening.
- Oregano – a touch of this herb elevates the Italian essence of your sushi.
- Extra virgin olive oil – drizzles of this liquid gold provide richness and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze – for a sweet and tangy finish that ties the dish together perfectly.
This Italian sushi is not only a feast for the eyes but a medley of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy the journey of rolling up this sensational dish!
How to Make Italian Sushi
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Prepare the Board: Line a cutting board with parchment paper. Lay seven slices of prosciutto parallel to each other, ensuring they slightly overlap. Repeat this process with the Italian salami, placing it atop the prosciutto.
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Add the Greens and Flavor: Place the fresh basil leaves across the center of the prosciutto. Top with arugula, and then add the sun-dried tomatoes. Tear the burrata open, spreading the creamy goodness over the tomatoes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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Roll It Up: Start at the long edge and wrap the prosciutto around the filling, keeping everything connected. Roll tightly like a sushi roll until you form a long log. Slice it into 6-8 even pieces for beautiful bite-sized sushi.
Optional: Drizzle extra balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Italian Sushi?
When it comes to creating a delightful dining experience, pairing your Italian sushi with complementary dishes will elevate the entire meal.
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Fresh Caprese Salad: A vibrant mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a fresh burst of flavor that balances the richness of the sushi.
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Garlic Breadsticks: The warm, buttery crunch of garlic breadsticks creates a delightful contrast, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Zesty Lemonade: This refreshing drink can cut through the savory flavors and adds a hint of sweetness, making each bite of sushi shine.
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted seasonal veggies create a beautiful side that brings texture and earthiness, enhancing the lightness of the sushi.
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Olive Tapenade Crostini: These canapés pack a punch of flavor and are perfect for sharing, making them an excellent appetizer alongside your sushi.
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Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese perfectly complements the rich flavors of the prosciutto and burrata, adding depth to your dining experience.
Indulging with these pairings not only enhances your meal but also sets a warm, inviting atmosphere for your next gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These Italian sushi rolls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling—prosciutto, salami, basil, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and burrata—up to 24 hours in advance by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and refrigerating it to maintain freshness. To ensure the best quality, assemble the rolls just before serving; this keeps the prosciutto crisp and avoids sogginess. For an easy finishing touch, simply roll the prepared filling into the prosciutto just before you wish to serve, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a stunning appetizer ready with minimal last-minute effort, allowing you to enjoy your evening with friends!
Expert Tips for Italian Sushi
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality prosciutto and burrata for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference in your Italian sushi!
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Avoid Overfilling: Less is more! Don’t overload your sushi; it may become difficult to roll and can result in a messy bite.
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Chill Before Serving: Allow your Italian sushi to chill in the fridge for 10 minutes after rolling. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
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Drizzle Techniques: When drizzling olive oil and balsamic glaze, aim for an even coating to enhance every bite of your Italian sushi without overwhelming the dish.
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Experiment with Greens: Feel free to substitute arugula or spinach with other fresh greens like kale or mixed salad greens for a different twist!
Italian Sushi Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flow and customize your Italian sushi rolls with these exciting variations!
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace prosciutto and salami with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty, meatless option.
There’s a beautiful balance of earthy flavors waiting for you. -
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a heat boost that will wake up your taste buds.
The spicy element transforms this dish into an unforgettable experience! -
Creamy Twist: Substitute burrata with a tangy goat cheese or a smooth cream cheese for a different texture and flavor profile.
Each bite will surprise with its delightful richness! -
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cheese.
This addition creates a satisfying contrast you won’t want to miss. -
Herbal Infusion: Swap basil for arugula or cilantro for a fresh and zesty flair. Experimenting with different herbs can add a unique identity to your rolls.
Imagine the refreshing culinary explosion as you take a bite! -
Mediterranean Flair: Add olives or artichoke hearts for a tangy Mediterranean twist that invites adventurous flavors to the party.
Your guests will be intrigued by this unexpected combination! -
Fruit Fusion: Try adding slices of ripe figs or peaches for a sweet surprise in each bite, balancing out the savory ingredients.
This will introduce a lovely sweetness that perfectly complements the salty prosciutto. -
Smoked Flavor: Use smoked salmon in place of prosciutto for a sophisticated twist that adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
Each piece will feel like a gourmet treat worthy of a special occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Italian Sushi
Fridge: Keep any leftover Italian sushi in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing Italian sushi, as the texture of the fresh ingredients may be compromised.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
Italian Sushi Recipe FAQs
What type of prosciutto should I use for Italian sushi?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality, thinly sliced prosciutto that has a good balance of saltiness and flavor. Authentic Italian prosciutto will enhance the overall taste of your Italian sushi and give it that gourmet touch!
How should I store leftovers of Italian sushi?
After enjoying your delicious Italian sushi, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just remember that the quality and texture are best when eaten soon after preparation.
Can I freeze Italian sushi?
It’s best to avoid freezing Italian sushi. The fresh ingredients, like the burrata and greens, may lose their texture, making them watery and less flavorful once thawed. Instead, enjoy the sushi right after making it for the best experience.
What should I do if my Italian sushi is difficult to roll?
No worries! If you find your Italian sushi challenging to roll, it may help to use less filling or arrange the ingredients more evenly to create a tighter roll. Keep practicing, as rolling gets easier with experience, and soon you’ll be a pro at making this beautiful dish!
Is Italian sushi safe for my pet?
While some ingredients in your Italian sushi, like basil or small amounts of prosciutto, are not harmful, it’s best to avoid feeding your pets any processed meats, like salami or burrata due to high salt content. Always consult your vet for pet dietary questions!
What’s a good substitute for burrata if I can’t find it?
Should you not have burrata on hand, consider using fresh mozzarella or cream cheese as a substitute. They offer a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients well. If you choose mozzarella, I recommend slicing it thin and layering it similarly to the burrata for the best results!
Savory Italian Sushi Rolls You Can Make in 10 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a cutting board with parchment paper. Lay seven slices of prosciutto parallel to each other, ensuring they slightly overlap. Repeat with Italian salami on top.
- Place fresh basil leaves across the center of the prosciutto. Top with arugula, then add sun-dried tomatoes. Tear burrata and spread over tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Start at the long edge and wrap the prosciutto around the filling tightly like a sushi roll. Slice into 6-8 even pieces.