Colorful Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe: A Zesty Summer Treat

Summers call for refreshing dishes that burst with vibrant antipasto pasta salad flavors and colors.

Each crisp bite delivers a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of ingredients dancing together.

The medley combines tangy olives, zesty pepperoncini, and robust salami with al dente pasta.

Tender vegetables and sharp cheeses create an irresistible texture contrast that delights the palate.

Herbs and a light vinaigrette tie these bold components into a harmonious dish perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation and satisfies hungry crowds.

You’ll want to make extra for leftovers because one serving is never enough.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Use for Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Choose rotini or penne for best dressing absorption and texture, opt for high-quality semolina pasta with sturdy shape
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure pasta cooking taste

• Salami: Select Italian-style salami with robust flavor, look for well-marbled cuts for rich taste
• Mozzarella: Pick fresh, soft mozzarella for creamy texture, preferably in small pearl-like pieces
• Red Onion: Slice thinly to distribute sharp, tangy flavor throughout salad, choose sweet varieties for mild bite

• Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe, vibrant red tomatoes for bursting sweetness, local or farmer's market varieties preferred
• Roasted Red Peppers: Choose jarred or freshly roasted peppers for deep, smoky undertones
• Artichoke Hearts: Use marinated hearts for extra zesty flavor, drain thoroughly before adding
• Olives: Mix black and green olives for complex Mediterranean taste, prefer pitted for easy eating

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, smooth base, cold-pressed varieties recommended
• Red Wine Vinegar: Choose aged vinegar for deeper, more complex tanginess
• Dijon Mustard: Use smooth, high-quality mustard for emulsifying dressing
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor than pre-minced
• Oregano: Prefer dried Mediterranean oregano for authentic taste
• Salt: Kosher or sea salt enhances overall seasoning
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more aromatic punch

• Parsley

Kitchen Equipment for Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of room.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and rinsing pasta quickly.
• Small Bowl or Jar: Ideal for whisking and mixing dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth, well-blended dressing.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining all salad ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice ingredients precisely.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning measurements.

Let’s Make Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Quickly cool it down with cold water to stop the cooking and keep it fresh and bouncy.

• Whip Up Zesty Dressing

Create a flavor explosion by blending olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of oregano. Shake or whisk until everything comes together in a silky smooth mixture.

• Mix Mediterranean Magic

Toss together your cooled pasta with a vibrant mix of juicy cherry tomatoes, spicy salami, creamy mozzarella, briny olives, roasted red peppers, tender artichoke hearts, and crisp red onion.

• Drench and Dress

Pour your tangy dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly, ensuring every single morsel gets coated with delicious Mediterranean flavors.

• Chill and Elevate

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, allowing all those incredible tastes to mingle and dance together. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley and basil on top for a gorgeous finishing touch.

Quick Tips for Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Flavor Boosting Tip: Let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to intensify the dressing's taste and help ingredients absorb more seasoning.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings without losing quality.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace salami with grilled zucchini, roasted eggplant, or plant-based protein like marinated tofu cubes to create a meat-free version that's equally delicious.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste and texture.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat, or include mild pepperoncini for a tangy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Serve It Right: Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the pasta salad on a large, colorful platter with extra herbs sprinkled on top, creating an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings.
• Picnic Power Lunch: Pack individual portions in mason jars or sealed containers for a portable, delicious meal that stays fresh and appetizing during outdoor adventures.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Pair this zesty salad with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light, chilled rosé to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and create a complete dining experience.
• Protein Boost Option: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a more substantial main course that satisfies bigger appetites.

Keeping Antipasto Pasta Salad Fresh

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep the antipasto pasta salad in an airtight container, sealed tightly to maintain freshness. Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate immediately after preparing, allowing ingredients to blend and develop deeper flavors. The cold temperature helps marinate the salami and cheese with dressing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad one day in advance for even more delicious results. The pasta absorbs dressing beautifully, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Quick Serving Tip: Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let ingredients reach a comfortable eating temperature. Gently stir before presenting to redistribute dressing and ingredients.

Vibrant Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade antipasto pasta salad combines Italian-inspired ingredients for a delightful summer meal. Colorful herbs, cheeses, and cured meats create a fresh Mediterranean-style dish you will enjoy at picnics or gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup (100g) diced salami or pepperoni
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella balls or cubes
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75g) sliced black or green olives
• ½ cup (75g) roasted red peppers, diced
• ¼ cup (30g) artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsps red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in heavily salted water until al dente, then rapidly cool under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture.
2. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper into a harmonious, emulsified dressing that will infuse the salad with robust flavor profiles.
3. Ingredient Assembly: Combine chilled pasta with cherry tomatoes, salami, mozzarella, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and red onion in a large mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and textural Mediterranean-inspired composition.
4. Flavor Infusion: Gently pour prepared vinaigrette over the pasta mixture, carefully folding to coat all ingredients evenly, allowing each component to absorb the aromatic dressing’s nuanced flavors.
5. Final Refinement: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil leaves just before serving, elevating the dish with a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse pasta immediately with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky, clumped noodles.
• Balance Dressing Flavor: Taste and adjust vinaigrette seasoning before adding to salad, ensuring a perfect balance of tanginess and herb intensity.
• Maximize Ingredient Freshness: Chop vegetables and ingredients just before mixing to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
• Enhance Marination Time: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 40mg