italian antipasto pasta salad recipe

italian antipasto pasta salad recipe

The Best italian antipasto pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this Italian antipasto pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I like to think of it as a simplified version of the traditional Italian antipasto platter, but in a more convenient and easy-to-eat format.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, add it to a buffet, or even use it as a main course for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures is what really makes this recipe shine. The tangy dressing, the savory meats, the sweet vegetables, and the crunchy cheese all come together to create a truly satisfying taste experience.

And the best part is that it’s ridiculously easy to make – just toss all the ingredients together in a big bowl and voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious and healthy meal. My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s so easy and fun to customize with their favorite ingredients.

We like to add some cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture, and sometimes we’ll even throw in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra burst of freshness. This recipe is also super customizable – you can swap out different meats, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your tastes. And because it’s made with so many fresh ingredients, you can feel good about serving it to your family without worrying about loading them up with preservatives or artificial additives.

I love that this recipe is also incredibly healthy – with its emphasis on whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fresh veggies, you can feel confident that you’re serving your family something truly nourishing.

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

4.7 from 1203 votes

A delightful pasta salad featuring an assortment of antipasto ingredients, including cured meats, cheeses, olives, and artichokes, tossed with a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta shapes (such as fusilli or rotini)
1 tsp salt

For the Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Antipasto Mix

4 oz prosciutto, diced
4 oz salami, diced
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Set aside.
4In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
5Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
6Add the cooked pasta, diced prosciutto, diced salami, quartered artichoke hearts, halved Kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley to the dressing.
7Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
8The pasta should be well mixed with the antipasto ingredients and the dressing should be evenly distributed.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.
11The pasta should be cooled to a refreshing temperature and the flavors should be well combined.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can customize the antipasto mix with your favorite ingredients. For a vegetarian option, omit the cured meats.

Watch Video Of How Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Works

This Italian antipasto pasta salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. It’s so versatile and easy to make that I never get tired of serving it up at our house.

Plus, with its emphasis on whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh veggies, you can feel good about serving it to your family without worrying about loading them up with preservatives or artificial additives. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it holds up to being made ahead of time – just toss all the ingredients together in a big bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Q: What is Italian antipasto pasta salad?

This recipe combines the flavors of traditional Italian antipasto with the convenience of a pasta salad.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! You can easily swap out the meat for additional vegetables or tofu.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, one of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up to being made ahead of time.

Q: How long does this recipe keep in the fridge?

This recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days – just be sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.

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