Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines the robust flavors of cured meats, cheese, and vegetables with a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Antipasto Salad:
- 8 oz. dry rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 9 oz. hard salami, chopped (or ¾ cup presliced)
- 6.5 oz. pepperoni, chopped (or ½ cup presliced)
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup olives, pitted and halved (kalamata, green, or a mix)
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
For the Italian Vinaigrette:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package's directions, then drain and set aside to cool completely.
Make the Vinaigrette:
- Prepare Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate to chill while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Assemble the Salad:
- Chop Ingredients:
- Prepare your salad ingredients: chop the salami, pepperoni, and tomatoes; slice the olives, red onion, and basil.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and basil.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour your desired amount of chilled vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. You can serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, you can sprinkle shredded parmesan and extra fresh basil over each portion if desired.
Notes
- Ingredient Adjustments: The amounts listed for the salad ingredients are suggestions. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your preferences or substitute with other favorite antipasto ingredients.
- Serving Suggestion: This pasta salad is versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side to complement any Italian-themed meal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 330 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: High (adjust salt and cured meats to reduce)
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion that calls for a filling yet refreshing meal. Enjoy this beautiful, colorful salad at your next outdoor event or as a fulfilling meal any day of the week!
Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad brings together classic antipasto ingredients in a hearty, flavorful salad that's as filling as it is delicious. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or any short pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mozzarella balls, halved
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncini
- ¼ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- ½ cup salami, cubed
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, black olives, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, salami, red onion, and roasted red peppers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a heartier salad, you can add more protein options like cubed ham or grilled chicken.
- Adjust the quantity of dressing based on your taste preference; add more if you desire a moister salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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