July 14th BBQ: How to elevate your grilled dishes with the right condiments

Olive oil marinade: the base for a successful barbecue

Before discussing the condiments to add to your grilled meats, it's important to remember the importance of marinade. It adds flavor and tenderness to your meat. And for that, nothing beats olive oil.

Which olive oil to choose for marinating?

There are different olive oil profiles, and each brings a distinct flavor to your preparations. A green fruity organic olive oil, with its intense and herbaceous taste, will be perfect for marinating your red meats and giving them character. A ripe fruity organic olive oil, softer and rounder on the palate, will be ideal for your white meats, fish, and grilled vegetables. For an original and fragrant touch, bergamot olive oil, awarded at the Épicures 2023, brings a subtle citrus note, particularly suitable for chicken skewers or seasonal vegetables.

How to prepare a successful marinade?

A good marinade generally consists of a fatty base (olive oil), an acidic element (lemon juice, vinegar), and aromatics (garlic, fresh herbs, spices). For red meats, allow at least two hours of marinating in the refrigerator. For poultry, an entire night is recommended. The organic olive oil trio — which brings together the three expressions of Lucangeli olive oil — is a practical option for varying marinades depending on the pieces to be grilled.

Olive oil as a finishing touch: a simple and effective gesture

Beyond the marinade, olive oil is also used as a finishing touch, just after cooking. A drizzle of quality olive oil on a still-warm piece of meat or grilled vegetables is enough to enhance the entire dish. This gesture, common in Mediterranean cuisine, transforms an ordinary grilled dish into a flavorful meal.

Condiments to accompany your grilled dishes

Once your pieces are cooked, condiments play an essential role in complementing and balancing the flavors. Balsamic vinegar, tapenades, and pesto are among the most versatile accompaniments for a festive barbecue.

Balsamic vinegar: an essential condiment

Modena balsamic vinegar is one of the most used condiments in Italian cuisine. It brings a touch of acidity and sweetness that contrasts pleasantly with the smoky taste of grilled meats. The Gold collection IGP balsamic vinegar, aged in oak barrels, develops complex aromas and a syrupy texture ideal for drizzling over a rib of beef or grilled vegetables. The Silver collection IGP balsamic vinegar offers a fruitier and slightly tart profile, perfect for white meats and summer salads. For a more original note, the red onion balsamic vinegar, awarded Épicures 2025, pairs particularly well with grilled meats and goat cheeses.

Tapenades and pesto: spreads to enrich the meal

Tapenades are versatile accompaniments that are easily integrated into a barbecue meal. The black olive tapenade, prepared with extra virgin olive oil, can be spread on grilled bread slices or served as an accompaniment to cold meats. The sun-dried tomato tapenade brings a concentrated and sunny flavor, ideal for garnishing skewers or accompanying sun-drenched vegetables. The DOP basil pesto, prepared with olive oil and Protected Designation of Origin basil, is perfect for drizzling over chicken skewers or grilled zucchini. To vary the pleasures, the set of 4 tapenades allows you to offer several flavors at the table effortlessly.

Appetizer before the barbecue: Italian antipasti

A successful July 14th barbecue often starts with a convivial appetizer. Italian antipasti like olives, tapenades, and bruschette are classics that everyone enjoys and allow you to wait pleasantly while the grilled dishes cook.

Olives: a Mediterranean appetizer essential

The pitted black olives in olive oil are a classic of Mediterranean appetizers. Preserved in extra virgin olive oil, they develop intense aromas and a melting texture. Served in a bowl with some fresh herbs, they make a simple and delicious appetizer.

Composing an antipasti table for July 14th

To set a beautiful antipasti table before the barbecue, focus on variety: tapenades, olives, marinated vegetables, grilled bread slices. The idea is to offer different flavors—savory, tangy, herbaceous—to stimulate the appetite. A customizable gift box can also be a nice idea to offer your hosts a selection of Italian products to share around the barbecue.

Practical tips for a successful appetizer

Prepare your antipasti in advance to fully enjoy the party. Tapenades and olives keep well in the refrigerator and can be taken out an hour before serving to be enjoyed at room temperature. Remember to offer different types of bread—baguette, country bread, grilled bread—to accompany your spreads. And don't forget to plan enough products: at a festive barbecue, the aperitif often lasts longer than expected!