Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just cook the pasta, chop the ingredients, and toss everything together.
- Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleasing dish that can be made ahead of time.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.
- Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
- Bursting with flavor – A mix of salty, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- Salami or pepperoni, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese, cubed or in pearl form
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Black or green olives, sliced
- Roasted red peppers, chopped
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Artichoke hearts, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, salami, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, red onion, and artichoke hearts.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Add fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the salami and add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- Cheese Swap – Try feta, provolone, or gouda instead of mozzarella.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Dressing Alternative – Use balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing instead of Italian dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, microwave it for 30 seconds.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and mix it in before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
FAQs
How do I keep pasta salad from getting dry?
Toss the pasta with a little olive oil before adding other ingredients, and store extra dressing to mix in before serving.
Can I make this pasta salad a day ahead?
Yes! The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just give it a quick stir and add extra dressing if needed.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works best as they hold onto the dressing and mix-ins well.
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! Balsamic vinaigrette, creamy Italian, or Caesar dressing all work well.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I freeze antipasto pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as pasta and fresh ingredients can become mushy after thawing.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I add nuts for crunch?
Yes! Pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts can add a nice texture and flavor.
What can I serve with this pasta salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side for an Italian meal.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Antipasto Pasta Salad is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together classic Italian flavors in an easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or prepping it for a week of lunches, it’s sure to be a hit. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy this fresh, zesty salad!
Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, mozzarella, olives, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed with tender pasta and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep, this easy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after pasta is cooked)
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
-
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/2 cup sliced black or green olives
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 oz salami, cubed
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, red onion, salami, and pepperoncini.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Add the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, then toss again.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami.
- Swap rotini for bowtie or penne pasta.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein.
