As summer vacation season winds down you may be wishing you were taking a fabulous trip to Italy instead…but who says you can’t enjoy a virtual tasting tour through Italy without leaving home? With the incredible, authentic taste of Locatelli Pecorino Romano cheese, you can bring a regional taste of Italy right to your own kitchen.
Let’s start with a bit of cheese history. The Locatelli family began crafting their iconic sheep’s milk Pecorino over 200 years ago, first in the Lazio region and now on the island of Sardinia, where the rugged terrain and salt-rich breezes from the Mediterranean give a distinct flavor to the sheep’s milk that makes Locatelli so delicious. Their dedication to handcraftsmanship, quality and tradition is why Locatelli remains America’s number one Pecorino Romano cheese. It’s an authentic taste of Italy you can enjoy in your favorite dishes as well as regional Italian specialties. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Tuscany: Panzanella Salad with Shaved Locatelli
Tuscan summers are famous for vibrant produce, olive groves, and long outdoor lunches. This traditional bread salad combines rustic cubes of bread with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, fresh herbs and generous shavings of Locatelli for a tangy finish. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re dining under a pergola in the Chianti countryside.
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2. Sardinia: Pear, Walnut & Pecorino Salad with Balsamic
Home to Locatelli’s production today, Sardinia is known for its rugged hills, pristine coastline, and sheep farming heritage. This salad pairs sweet pears with crunchy walnuts and tangy balsamic, crowned with Sardinian-made Locatelli shavings making it a dish that captures the island’s balance of rustic charm and elegance.
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3. Amalfi Coast Influence: Pecorino Potato Salad with Lemon–Garlic Dressing
With its sun-drenched lemons, briny olives, and sea breezes, the Amalfi Coast is a feast for the senses. This potato salad blends baby potatoes with olives, capers, and a bright lemon-garlic dressing, finished with Locatelli’s nutty sharpness for a perfect taste of the south’s vibrant flavors.
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4. Lazio – Home of Rome: Cacio e Pepe Cheese Puffs
The streets of Rome are lined with trattorias serving the iconic pasta dish of cacio e pepe—literally “cheese and pepper.” This fun twist transforms the beloved pasta flavor combo into airy cheese puffs, crunchy outside and gooey inside, featuring the sharp, rich, authentic taste of Locatelli Pecorino Romano.
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5. Southern Italy – Naples: Cheesy Artichoke Dip
Naples is the birthplace of bold, hearty flavors, from Neopolitan pizza to cheesy baked appetizers. This bubbling artichoke dip takes that same spirit—rich, crowd-pleasing, meant for sharing, and elevates it with Locatelli’s unmatched depth of flavor.
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Top down close up of a creamy hot artichoke dip garnished with Italian parsley surrounded by bread and pita pieces for dipping.
Think of Locatelli cheese as your passport to authentic Italian flavor! Each of our inspiration dishes captures a unique taste of Italy; from fresh Tuscan salads to bubbly snacks rooted in Roman tradition. Locatelli Pecorino Romano is the common thread, adding incredible flavor that transforms simple ingredients into something special.
Whether you’re whipping up appetizers for a small gathering or hosting a dreamy family dinner, this tasting tour brings culinary travel to your table…with no passport required.
Ready to explore more? Head to our full collection of regional recipes here on our website and let your kitchen become your own personal piazza. Buon viaggio e buon appetito!
#Live.Love.Locatelli
