Description
As a busy mom, I often find myself trying to whip up meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. That’s why I am thrilled to share my favorite Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad! This vibrant and flavorful salad is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to lively gatherings with friends. Packed with the delightful flavors of antipasto ingredients, it’s a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a great last-minute solution for those hectic weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 & quartered
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup olives, pitted & halved (kalamata, green or a mixture of the two)
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
- ½ cup olive oil (for vinaigrette)
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar (for vinaigrette)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (for vinaigrette)
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning (for vinaigrette)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for vinaigrette)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste (for vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package’s directions then drain it and set the pasta aside to cool completely.
- Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl or jar then keep it chilled in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Cut the salami, pepperoni and tomatoes, slice the olives and red onion, and thinly slice the fresh basil.
- Once the pasta is cool, add it to a large bowl with the rest of your ingredients and pour your desired amount of dressing over the top. Toss the salad until it is fully coated. (At this point you can serve it immediately or keep it chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes – 1 hour before serving.)
- Sprinkle shredded parmesan (if desired) and extra fresh basil over each individual portion and serve.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled.
- Feel free to customize it with other antipasto ingredients like roasted red peppers or different cheeses.
- The pasta can be cooked a day ahead of time for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg