Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that truly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. It’s a delightful combination of cooked pasta, an array of cured meats, and fresh vegetables—all tossed with a zesty Italian vinaigrette. One of the best parts? This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish, a main meal, or even as a stunning centerpiece for a summertime picnic. Having made this recipe countless times, I can attest to its popularity during family gatherings and potlucks. It’s both simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser!

What Makes This Recipe Special

What makes Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad truly stand out is its vibrant medley of flavors and textures. The rich, salty taste of cured meats pairs beautifully with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil. Not to mention, it’s a flexible recipe—perfect for using up leftover ingredients or customizing to your taste. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, a casual lunch, or festive occasions.

"Made this for a BBQ and it disappeared in minutes! Everyone loved the flavors!"

How to Prepare This Recipe

Creating this delicious pasta salad is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Start by cooking your pasta and then letting it cool. While that’s happening, chop your veggies and meats. The key to a successful antipasto salad is to let the flavors meld together, so remember to chill the salad before serving. Here’s what you’ll need.

Gather Your Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
• 1 cup assorted cured meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni, prosciutto)
• 1 cup cheese (e.g., mozzarella, provolone), diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

You can easily substitute the pasta shape or use different types of cheese based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Cooking Steps

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cured meats, diced cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, and basil.
2. Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette over the salad, and toss everything until evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Best Way to Serve

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines when served cold. It’s an excellent side dish alongside grilled meats or served as a refreshing entree on its own. Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein!

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Storage Tips

Best Way to Store Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

To keep your pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. For reheating, if you prefer it warm, you can briefly warm it in the microwave, but it’s best served cold. Always ensure to use clean utensils when scooping to maintain freshness.

Pro Chef Tips

Helpful Hints

• Allow the pasta to cool before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting.
• For added flavor, marinate your chopped vegetables in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before combining.
• Experiment with different herbs, like oregano or thyme, to enhance the overall taste.

Creative Twists

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative! You can add artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean touch or swap in some grilled zucchini for extra veggies. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, simply replace the cured meats with more vegetables or plant-based proteins.

Common Questions

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare?
The total preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, plus 30 minutes of chilling.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works great for this recipe. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

Is it safe to eat leftovers?
Yes, as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator, leftovers are safe to eat for up to 3 days. Just be sure to check for any spoilage before enjoying.

Now you’re all set to bring this delightful Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad to your table. Enjoy the bursts of flavor and the satisfied smiles from everyone who gets to taste it!

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring cured meats, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian vinaigrette.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
• 1 cup assorted cured meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni, prosciutto)
• 1 cup cheese (e.g., mozzarella, provolone), diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cured meats, diced cheese, cherry tomatoes, black olives, bell peppers, red onion, and basil.
2. Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette over the salad, and toss everything until evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allow the pasta to cool before mixing to prevent wilting. Use clean utensils for storing to maintain freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cooking Required
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pasta salad, antipasto, Italian cuisine, summer recipes, picnic food