italian antipasto pasta salad recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
italian antipasto pasta salad recipe
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The Best italian antipasto pasta salad recipe

I am a huge fan of Italian cuisine and one of my favorite dishes to make for my family is the Italian antipasto pasta salad. This dish is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, tangy cheeses, and flavorful meats that makes it a delight to eat. The combination of pasta, salami, artichoke hearts, black olives, and feta cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will satisfy any palate. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a main course for a potluck.

My kids love it because it is easy to eat and has a variety of textures and flavors. It is also a great dish to make for family gatherings and parties because it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature. The health benefits of this dish are numerous. It is packed with protein from the meats and cheeses, and the vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, and the olive oil in the dressing is a healthy fat. I love that this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. My family loves this dish so much that it has become a staple in our meal rotation. It is a dish that I can make with confidence knowing that everyone will enjoy it.

I have made this dish for many occasions and it always receives rave reviews. I love that it is a dish that can be customized to fit any dietary needs. You can add or subtract ingredients to make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. It is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

I love that this dish is a great way to use up leftovers. I often make a large batch of pasta and then use it in this salad the next day. It is a great way to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen.

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

4.7 from 1293 votes

This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a delightful medley of pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta (such as rotini or fusilli)
1 tbsp salt
2 quarts water

For the Salad

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup salami, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish

Fresh basil leaves
Parmesan cheese shavings

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring the 2 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
2Add the 1 tablespoon of salt and stir.
3Add the 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
5The pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard.
6Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
7Set aside to cool.
8While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
9Halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice the 1 cup of cucumber, and quarter the 1 cup of artichoke hearts.
10Halve the 1/2 cup of pitted black olives and finely chop the 1/4 cup of red onion.
11Drain the artichoke hearts.
12Dice the 1/2 cup of salami.
13Crumble the 1/2 cup of feta cheese.
14Place all the prepared vegetables and meats in a large mixing bowl.
15In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
16Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
17Pour the dressing over the vegetables and meats in the mixing bowl and toss to combine.
18Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and meats.
19Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing.
20Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
21Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
22This step is important because it allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the dressing and the vegetables.
23Before serving, give the salad a good stir and garnish with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese shavings.
24Serve chilled or at room temperature.
25This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
26The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
27If you are serving this dish to a large crowd, you can double or triple the recipe to make sure there is enough for everyone.
28Be sure to use a large enough bowl to mix everything together evenly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add chickpeas or white beans. You can also add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or marinated mushrooms to customize the salad to your liking.

Watch Video Of How Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Works

The Italian antipasto pasta salad is a dish that I always enjoy making. I love that it can be customized to fit any dietary needs and that it is a great way to use up leftovers.

It is a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a family gathering or just looking for a quick and easy lunch, this salad is a great choice.

It can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, making it a convenient dish for potlucks and picnics. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any shape of pasta you like. I prefer rotini or fusilli because the ridges help to hold the dressing, but any shape will work. You can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will meld together and become even more delicious the next day. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely. This salad is very versatile and you can add any vegetables you like. Some great additions include roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers. You can also add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. If you do, you will need to use more fresh herbs than dried. A good rule of thumb is to use 3 times as much fresh herbs as dried. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, you would use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano.

Can I make this salad without the salami?

Yes, you can make this salad without the salami. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the salami and add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. You can also add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or marinated mushrooms to make up for the missing salami. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying without it.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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