Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

The combination of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella balls creates a vibrant and satisfying dish that bursts with classic Italian flavors. This Antipasto Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, thanks to its mix of bold colors and textures.

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this salad is a versatile dish that everyone will love. The tangy homemade dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a quick and easy recipe that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup salami, diced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, black olives, salami, mozzarella balls, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
4. Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the large bowl of ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

History and Inspiration

Antipasto, the traditional Italian appetizer, is all about creating a flavorful and colorful experience with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic antipasto platter and transforms it into a hearty and versatile pasta salad. Originating from Italy, antipasto (meaning “before the meal”) was designed to stimulate the appetite with vibrant flavors, and this salad does just that, combining all those delicious elements into a single dish.

Customization Ideas

This Antipasto Pasta Salad is highly adaptable to suit various preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the salami and add roasted red peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Vegan Twist: Replace mozzarella balls with vegan cheese or omit entirely, and ensure the dressing is plant-based.
• Pasta Alternatives: Swap rotini for gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even orzo for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

• This salad is perfect as a standalone meal for lunch or dinner.
• Serve it alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
• It also works wonderfully as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or potluck parties.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.
• Dressing Tip: If planning to store for a while, keep a small amount of the dressing aside and add it right before serving to refresh the salad.

Health Benefits

This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes with a nutritional punch:

• Rich in Fiber: Thanks to the vegetables and pasta.
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: Olive oil and mozzarella provide monounsaturated fats.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and parsley are loaded with essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K.
• Low in Added Sugars: The homemade dressing keeps this recipe free from unnecessary added sugars found in store-bought options.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente to ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the dressing and ingredients.
2. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances the flavors and allows the dressing to fully coat each ingredient.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley, quality olive oil, and ripe tomatoes make a big difference in taste.

Origins of Antipasto

The word antipasto comes from the Italian term meaning “before the meal.” It refers to the traditional Italian appetizer course that features a selection of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and bread. This pasta salad is a modern interpretation of those classic antipasto flavors, combining them with pasta to create a hearty, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Flavor Profile

This pasta salad offers a bold, tangy, and savory flavor profile:

• The salami and mozzarella balls bring richness and creaminess.
• Black olives and artichoke hearts add briny, tangy notes.
• Fresh parsley brightens the dish, while the dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings ties it all together with a slightly zesty kick.
  Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of textures and tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
2. Customizable: This recipe is easy to tweak to fit dietary preferences, whether you’re adding more veggies, swapping out ingredients, or making it vegetarian or vegan.
3. Great for Meal Prep: This salad tastes better as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish.

Perfect Occasions to Serve

• Family Dinners: A great addition to your weekly rotation for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Potlucks & Picnics: This dish travels well and holds up beautifully, even when served at room temperature.
• Holiday Buffets: A fresh, tangy contrast to richer dishes on the table.

Pairing Ideas

This Antipasto Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with other Italian-inspired dishes:

• Main Dishes: Grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty lasagna.
• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caprese salad.
• Drinks: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

Nutritional Highlights

This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Protein: From salami and mozzarella balls.
• Healthy Fats: Thanks to the olive oil dressing.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh parsley, tomatoes, and artichokes provide a dose of antioxidants and essential nutrients.
• Fiber: Pasta and veggies contribute to a good amount of dietary fiber.

Preparation Tips

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh veggies for the best flavor.
2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
3. Toss Gently: When mixing, gently fold the ingredients together to avoid breaking the mozzarella balls or squishing the tomatoes.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refreshing the Salad: If it seems dry after refrigeration, toss with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar before serving.

Fun Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Swap the salami for grilled chicken and add feta cheese, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the salami with roasted red peppers or marinated artichoke hearts for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for extra heat.