Name: Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta or any short pasta; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini; 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped; 1/2 cup salami, cubed; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped; 1/3 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

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!