15 Favorite Foods Of Giada De Laurentiis
Italian roots, California freshness, and a lifelong connection to family kitchens shape the flavors most associated with Giada De Laurentiis.
Viewers first met her through polished television sets and approachable recipes, yet her personal favorites often lean toward comfort with a refined edge.
Fresh herbs, bright citrus, quality olive oil, and handmade pasta frequently appear in dishes she has praised over the years.
Sweet treats also hold a place in her rotation, especially desserts that nod to tradition while adding a lighter touch.
Interviews and cookbooks reveal a palate that favors bold Mediterranean flavors without unnecessary complication.
Disclaimer: Food preferences referenced here are based on publicly available interviews, cookbooks, and media appearances, and personal tastes can evolve over time. The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only and is not nutritional, medical, or professional advice.
1. Oatmeal With Olive Oil And Salt
Forget everything you think you know about breakfast oatmeal because Giada’s savory version will change your morning routine forever.
Instead of sugar and cinnamon, she tops her oats with olive oil, salt, and sometimes nuts or fresh herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired breakfast keeps her energized throughout busy filming days.
The healthy fats from olive oil make the oatmeal more satisfying and add a rich, smooth texture you won’t find in sweet versions.
2. Almonds And Mixed Nuts
When hunger strikes between meals, Giada reaches for almonds and mixed nuts roasted with smoked sea salt.
This protein-packed snack keeps her satisfied without weighing her down during long days in the kitchen.
She’s mentioned keeping these nuts on hand constantly, whether she’s at home or traveling. The smoky salt adds an extra layer of flavor that makes plain nuts taste gourmet and exciting.
Nuts provide the perfect balance of healthy fats and protein to fuel her active lifestyle and demanding schedule.
3. Trail Mix And Dried Fruit
Trail mix represents Giada’s philosophy of healthy eating that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or convenience. She loves combining dried fruits with nuts and seeds for a snack that travels well and tastes amazing.
This portable powerhouse gives her quick energy during busy days when sitting down for a full meal isn’t possible.
The natural sweetness from dried fruits satisfies her cravings without refined sugar.
Whether she’s running between cooking segments or just needs an afternoon pick-me-up, trail mix delivers every time with its perfect sweet-and-salty combination.
4. Lemon Spaghetti
Giada has openly declared this dish her absolute favorite pasta, and honestly, once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
The bright, zesty lemon flavor mixed with perfectly cooked spaghetti creates something magical that’s both simple and sophisticated.
She’s been making this recipe for years, and it’s become her signature dish for good reason.
The combination of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and pasta water creates a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
5. Castelvetrano Olives
Among all olive varieties, Giada specifically loves Castelvetrano olives for their buttery texture and mild, almost sweet flavor.
These bright green beauties from Sicily have become a staple in her everyday cooking and snacking.
Unlike harsh, super salty olives, Castelvetranos offer a gentle, approachable taste that even olive skeptics might enjoy.
She tosses them into pasta dishes, salads, and appetizer platters with equal enthusiasm.
6. Dark Chocolate
Giada calls herself a total chocoholic, and dark chocolate holds a special place in her heart and pantry.
She doesn’t just nibble on it occasionally – she genuinely loves chocolate and incorporates it into both desserts and simple treats.
Dark chocolate satisfies her sweet tooth while providing antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate varieties.
From eating plain squares to creating avocado chocolate mousse, she finds creative ways to enjoy this indulgence.
7. Panettone French Toast
Christmas morning at Giada’s house means one thing: panettone French toast sizzling on the griddle.
This family tradition transforms the Italian holiday bread into a decadent breakfast that’s been part of her celebrations for decades.
The sweet, fluffy panettone soaks up egg mixture beautifully and creates French toast with incredible texture and flavor.
She’s passed this recipe down through generations, making it a beloved ritual that brings everyone together.
It’s proof that some traditions are worth keeping, especially when they taste this absolutely amazing and create lasting memories.
8. Chicken Piccata
Ask any Giada fan about their favorite recipe, and chicken piccata will come up again and again. This classic Italian dish features tender chicken in a tangy lemon-caper sauce that tastes like pure sunshine.
Giada has even created chicken piccata meatballs, proving her love for these flavors runs deep.
The combination of bright lemon, briny capers, and rich butter creates a sauce that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
It’s become one of her most requested recipes because it delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward home-cooking techniques anyone can master.
9. Amalfi Lemon Chicken
This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings the flavors of Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast straight to Giada’s dinner table.
She cooks this simple yet elegant chicken recipe often because it requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.
Fresh lemons, herbs, and olive oil transform ordinary chicken into something that tastes like a vacation.
The bright, clean flavors reflect her cooking philosophy: let quality ingredients shine without overcomplicating things.
10. Homemade Granola
Store-bought granola can’t compete with Giada’s homemade version, which she makes regularly as part of her snack rotation.
Loaded with nuts, oats, and natural sweetness, this crunchy treat satisfies without artificial ingredients or excessive sugar.
She controls exactly what goes into every batch, ensuring it’s both delicious and nutritious.
The nuts add protein and healthy fats that keep hunger at bay between meals.
11. Popcorn With Citrus Zest And Herbs
Who knew popcorn could get a gourmet makeover? Giada tops this classic snack with citrus zest and fresh herbs for a lighter alternative to butter-drenched versions.
The bright lemon or orange zest adds unexpected zing, while herbs like rosemary or thyme bring savory depth.
It’s a genius way to make a simple snack feel sophisticated and exciting without adding tons of calories.
12. Fregola Salad With Olive Relish And Chickpeas
Fregola, the toasted Sardinian pasta that looks like giant couscous, becomes something spectacular in Giada’s hands.
She combines it with olive relish and chickpeas for a vibrant salad that’s featured in her cookbooks and interviews.
This dish showcases her ability to blend traditional Italian ingredients with modern, healthy eating habits.
The nutty fregola, briny olives, and protein-rich chickpeas create a satisfying meal that works hot or cold.
13. Classic Italian Pasta
Pasta isn’t just food for Giada – it’s practically a love language.
She’s acknowledged countless times that simple Italian pastas dressed with olive oil, lemon, or herbs represent everything she loves about cooking.
These straightforward preparations let the quality of ingredients speak for themselves without heavy sauces masking flavors.
Fresh pasta, good olive oil, and maybe some garlic or herbs create magic that fancy recipes can’t always match.
14. French Fries
Even celebrity chefs have their guilty pleasures, and Giada has admitted that French fries make her list.
Despite her focus on healthy Mediterranean cooking, she enjoys these crispy, salty treats like the rest of us.
It’s refreshing to know that someone who cooks professionally still craves comfort foods that aren’t always nutritious.
This honest admission makes her more relatable and proves that balanced eating includes occasional indulgences.
15. Spinach And Mushroom Ravioli
From older interviews, Giada has mentioned her love for filled pastas like spinach and mushroom ravioli.
These pillowy pockets of pasta stuffed with earthy vegetables represent Italian cooking at its most comforting.
The combination of tender pasta, savory mushrooms, and nutritious spinach creates a complete meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Whether homemade or high-quality store-bought, ravioli holds a special place in Italian cuisine.
