Spotlight Series: All About Giardiniera
Spotlight Series: All About Giardiniera
If you've ever bitten into a sandwich and wondered what gave it that tangy crunch and burst of flavor, chances are you’ve met giardiniera. This colorful mix of pickled vegetables is a staple in Italian and Italian-American cuisine—and once you try it, you'll understand why it's a pantry must-have. Whether it's adding zing to your sub, a kick to your pizza, or a little heat to your charcuterie board, giardiniera brings bold, briny goodness to any dish.
What is Giardiniera?
Giardiniera (pronounced jar-din-AIR-uh) is a zesty Italian relish made from a colorful mix of cauliflower, carrots, celery, pepperoncini peppers and strips of red bell peppers. These veggies are marinated in a tangy blend of vinegar, oil, and spices, creating a bold, crunchy condiment that adds a flavorful punch to just about anything.
Originally from Italy, where it’s often served as an antipasto, giardiniera has taken on a life of its own, especially in places like Chicago. There, it’s a beloved topping for Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and more.
The Origin of Giardiniera and It's Brief History?
The word giardiniera (pronounced jar-din-AIR-uh) comes from the Italian word giardino, meaning "garden." It’s a fitting name, since this condiment is traditionally made from a medley of garden-fresh vegetables. Giardiniera traces its roots back to Italy, where preserving seasonal vegetables was a practical (and delicious) way to enjoy fresh produce all year round. Italian families would pickle their summer harvests in vinegar and oil, storing them away for the colder months. It was a pantry staple, served as an antipasto or side dish, bringing color and zing to any meal.
Like many delicious traditions, Giardiniera made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When it arrived in Chicago, it got a bit of a makeover. In its new American home, especially among the city’s vibrant Italian-American communities, Giardiniera evolved. Chicago-style Giardiniera is often made with a mix of chopped vegetables marinated in oil (instead of vinegar), and it usually packs a punch thanks to hot peppers. It quickly became a signature topping on Italian beef sandwiches, giving them that signature zing.
These days, Giardiniera isn’t just for subs and beef sandwiches. Food lovers have discovered its versatility—it’s perfect on pizza, tossed in salads, or even stirred into pasta dishes. Whether you like it mild or hot, vinegar-based or oil-packed, there’s a version out there to suit your taste buds.
How is Giardiniera Made and What is it Made Of?
Giardiniera is made up of a colorful mix of vegetables. The vegetables are chopped (some chunky, some finely diced depending on the style), then marinated in a flavorful mix of vinegar, oil, herbs, and spices. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
Everything is cut into bite-sized pieces. Then they are soaked in salt water overnight. This helps them stay crisp and draws out moisture. Once done soaking, they are rinsed and drained then packed into jars and covered with a flavorful mix of vinegar, oil and seasonings.
The Best Giardiniera - The DeLallo Difference
At DeLallo, we believe that great flavor starts with great ingredients, and our Giardiniera is no exception. Bursting with a crisp, colorful medley of pickled vegetables, our Giardiniera is crafted with care to bring bold, zesty flavor to your favorite dishes.
We start with garden-fresh cauliflower, carrots, celery, red bell peppers, harvested at the peak of ripeness to lock in that natural crunch and vibrant taste. Our signature pickling blend is a carefully balanced mix of vinegar, herbs, and spices that delivers that unmistakable tangy kick without overpowering the veggies’ natural goodness.
Ways To Use Giardiniera and Recipes
Top Your Sandwiches
Giardiniera is a game-changer for sandwiches. It adds crunch, heat, and a burst of flavor that transforms an ordinary lunch into something special. Try adding it to a classic Italian Hoagie or an Italian Beef Sandwich.
Recipe: Italian Beef Sandwich Shop Ingredients: Whole Mild Pepperoncini | DeLallo Extra Light Olive Oil
Mix It Into Salads
Add a spoonful of giardiniera to mixed greens, pasta salad, potato salad, or grain bowls for extra texture and zing. It’s a great way to punch up flavor without extra dressing. Or, combine with olives to make this muffaleta olive salad.
Serve it with Charcuterie
Giardiniera is the perfect complement to rich cheeses and cured meats. The acidity cuts through fat beautifully.
Stir It Into Eggs
Add a kick to your morning routine! Chop up giardiniera and stir it into scrambled eggs, frittatas, or omelets.
Use it as a Pizza Topping
Giardiniera on pizza? Absolutely. It brings that salty, tangy balance that pairs great with melted cheese and savory toppings.
Recipe: Easy Grilled Hot Dogs Shop Ingredients: DeLallo Mild Chicago-Style Giardiniera | DeLallo Dijon Mustard
Stir It into Dips
Finely chop giardiniera and mix it into cream cheese, hummus, or sour cream-based dips for a crunchy, zippy twist.
Serve it with a Side
Try a baked potato topped with giardiniera! This hearty classic gets a bold upgrade with tangy, crunchy pickled veggies that add just the right kick.
Snack on It Straight!
Honestly, giardiniera is great right out of the jar. It’s low-calorie, flavorful, and satisfying. A perfect crunchy snack with a kick.
DeLallo Giardiniera: FAQ
How do you pronounce giardiniera?
It’s pronounced: jar-din-AIR-uh (like "jar" + "din" + "AIR" + "uh").
What does giardiniera taste like?
Giardiniera has a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible! It’s a mix of pickled vegetables—cauliflower, carrots, celery, and peppers—marinated in vinegar and oil, often with garlic and herbs. The result? A crunchy, zesty bite with a nice balance of sour, savory, and sometimes a bit of heat (especially in the spicy versions). Whether you’re piling it on sandwiches, pizzas, or enjoying it straight from the jar, giardiniera adds a punch of flavor that’s anything but boring.
What is another name for giardiniera?
Italian giardiniera is also called sottaceti, meaning ‘under vinegar'. This is a common term for pickled foods.
Is giardiniera a Chicago thing?
While giardiniera technically has Italian roots (it means "from the garden" in Italian), the spicy, tangy version Chicagoans know and love is in a league of its own. Traditional Italian giardiniera is typically mild and pickled in vinegar, often served on antipasto platters. But when it made its way to the Windy City, it got a bold makeover — think crunchy peppers, cauliflower, carrots, and celery, all marinated in oil with a spicy kick.
In Chicago, giardiniera isn’t just a condiment — it’s a way of life. You’ll find it smothered on Italian beef sandwiches (a local staple), piled onto pizzas, tossed into pasta salads, and even spooned onto hot dogs.
Do italians eat giardiniera?
Absolutely, you can eat giardiniera by itself!
This zesty mix of pickled vegetables—usually including peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and celery—is packed with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. If you’re a fan of tangy, spicy, or savory snacks, a few bites of giardiniera straight from the jar can totally hit the spot.
How do I store giardiniera?
Storing giardiniera is super easy, and doing it right keeps all that tangy, crunchy goodness fresh and delicious!
If it's homemade and not canned: Pop it into a clean, airtight jar or container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty for about 2 to 3 weeks. Just ensure the veggies stay submerged in the brine to keep them crisp and flavorful.
If it’s store-bought and unopened: You can store it in a cool, dry pantry—check the label for the best-by date. Once opened, transfer it to the fridge and use it within a few weeks for the best taste and texture.
What is Chicago-Style giardiniera?
Chicago-style giardiniera is a zesty, crave-worthy condiment that packs a flavorful punch! Originally inspired by Italian pickled vegetable mixes, this Windy City twist takes things up a notch with bold seasonings and just the right amount of heat.
At its heart, Chicago-style giardiniera features a colorful mix of chopped vegetables—think bell peppers, celery, cauliflower, carrots, and sometimes olives—soaked in a tangy, spicy brine. But here’s what makes it uniquely Chicago: after the pickling, the veggies are marinated in oil (usually a blend of olive oil and vegetable oil) along with garlic, chili flakes, and other spices. The result? A crunchy, spicy, and savory topping that adds serious flavor to everything it touches.
In Chicago, you’ll most often find it loaded onto Italian beef sandwiches, but fans also love it on hot dogs, pizza, burgers, pasta salads, or even on its own, straight from the jar.
What is the difference between Italian giardiniera and Chicago-Style giardiniera?
Italian Giardiniera is typically a mild, tangy mix of pickled vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and sometimes green beans. The veggies are marinated in vinegar, sometimes with herbs and spices, and served cold. It’s often enjoyed as an antipasto (starter), on cheese boards, or as a side dish.
Chicago-Style Giardiniera, on the other hand, brings the heat! It’s a spicier version, usually made with a similar blend of vegetables, but here’s the twist—it’s packed in oil (rather than just vinegar) and often includes hot peppers like sport peppers or jalapeños. The oil gives it a rich, savory flavor, and the heat level can vary from mild to seriously spicy. In Chicago, it’s famously piled onto Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, or even pizza.
What is the difference between Italian giardiniera and muffuletta?
As mentioned above, Italian Giardiniera is traditionally a mix of pickled vegetables marinated in a vinegar brine.
Muffuletta, on the other hand, refers to the olive salad spread that’s famously used in the New Orleans muffuletta sandwich. It usually includes chopped green and black olives, celery, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and capers, all marinated in a seasoned oil. It’s brinier, more olive-forward, and has a softer texture than giardiniera.
Where can I buy DeLallo Giardiniera?
Order DeLallo Giardiniera online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.