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Experience the irresistible flavors of our Antipasto Pasta Salad! Packed with Italian-inspired ingredients, it’s a must-try dish for any gathering.
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Looking for a delicious and satisfying dish to impress your guests or simply elevate your mealtime experience? Look no further than Antipasto Pasta Salad! This classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe combines a medley of flavorful ingredients to create a dish that is both refreshing and indulgent.
A Flavorful Twist on Italian Pasta Salad
Antipasto Pasta Salad offers a delightful twist on the traditional Italian Pasta Salad recipe. With its vibrant combination of ingredients, such as salami, pepperoni, mozzarella balls, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion, this salad is a feast for the senses. Each bite bursts with savory flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
The Perfect Italian Pasta Salad Dressing
What sets Antipasto Pasta Salad apart is its delectable Italian Pasta Salad dressing. Made with a blend of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, this dressing perfectly complements the ingredients in the salad, enhancing their flavors and tying everything together harmoniously.
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a light and satisfying meal on its own, Antipasto Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. Its versatility makes it perfect for any occasion, and its bold flavors will have your taste buds singing praises.
Antipasto Pasta Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and flavor to their meal. Try it today and experience the magic of this delightful Italian-inspired dish!
Antipasto Pasta Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make this Italian Pasta Salad recipe with Italian Dressing, you will need …
Ingredients
Salad
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- rotini pasta – Use pasta that has a lot of grooves and ridges for the dressing to stick to. Recommended options include rotini, farfalle (bow tie), or mini shells.
- hard salami sausage and pepperoni sausage – Use turkey or chicken salami and pepperoni for a lighter option, or substitute with diced ham or cooked chicken for a different flavor profile.
- fresh mozzarella balls – Cubed mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella can be used instead of mozzarella balls.
- artichoke hearts – Substitute with marinated artichoke hearts or grilled zucchini for a different texture.
- cherry tomatoes – Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used as alternatives.
- olives – Try different varieties of olives, such as green olives, black olives, or stuffed olives, for varied flavors.
- red onion – Use sweet onion or shallots for a milder flavor or green onions for a different taste.
- parsley – Substitute with basil, cilantro, or oregano for a different herb flavor.
Dressing
- extra virgin olive oil – You can use avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil as alternatives to extra virgin olive oil.
- red wine vinegar – Balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar can be substituted for red wine vinegar.
- parmesan cheese – You can use Asiago or pecorino Romano cheese instead of parmesan.
- Italian seasoning – Mix equal parts of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a homemade Italian seasoning blend.
- garlic powder – Use fresh minced garlic or garlic paste for a stronger garlic flavor.
- salt and pepper – Season with your favorite herbs and spices to taste, such as crushed red pepper flakes or dried thyme.
How to make Antipasto Pasta Salad
Serving Suggestions for Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Appetizer Platter: Serve the salad as part of an appetizer platter alongside other Italian-inspired dishes such as bruschetta, cheese platters, and cured meats for a perfect start to any meal.
- Picnic Spread: Pack the Antipasto Pasta Salad in individual containers for a picnic spread. Pair it with crusty bread, fresh fruit, and sparkling water for a refreshing outdoor dining experience.
- Side Dish: Serve the Antipasto Pasta Salad as a side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes, adding a burst of flavor to any meal.
- Main Course: Enjoy the Antipasto Pasta Salad as a light and satisfying main course. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein, and serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Meal Prep: Prepare a batch of Antipasto Pasta Salad at the beginning of the week for easy meal prep. Divide it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and effort while still enjoying a delicious and wholesome meal.
- Party Platter: Arrange the Antipasto Pasta Salad on a large platter as part of a party spread. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.
With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy this Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing in various ways, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Antipasto Pasta Salad: FAQs
Yes, it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days.
Absolutely! This Italian Pasta Salad is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients such as different types of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and herbs to create your own unique version of this classic dish.
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, be sure to cook it al dente according to the package instructions. Additionally, rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and helps maintain its texture.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the salami and pepperoni. Simply increase the amounts of other ingredients or add additional vegetables and cheese to compensate.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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Antipasto Pasta Salad
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Equipment
- colander
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 9 ounces hard salami sausage, quartered lengthways and cut into ¼” slices
- 6 ounces pepperoni sausage, cut in half and cut into ¼” slices
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, drained
- 13.75 ounces quartered artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup olives, halved lengthways
- ½ large red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente in salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water for 1 minute, then set aside to finish cooling.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the salad garnishes and dressing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
- Place the cooled pasta and remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Customize the salad with additions like pepperoncini, cubed provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted bell pepper, and fresh basil.
- Running the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process to maintain al dente texture.
- Pasta can be cooked up to 24 hours before making the salad; toss in olive oil and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This antipasto pasta salad is easy to make and has a nice mix of protein, carbs, and veggies for my son’s lunch box. So good!