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Antipasto Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together delicious ingredients in one bowl. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a picnic, potluck, or a family dinner. This salad is not only filling but also packed with flavors that everyone will love!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Antipasto Pasta Salad because it’s quick to prepare and great for sharing. It’s loaded with a variety of ingredients, so there’s something for everyone! Plus, it’s a wonderful dish to enjoy on hot days or as a side for barbecues. Your friends and family will appreciate the effort, and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for too long.
How to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup marinated vegetables (e.g., artichokes, olives, bell peppers)
- 1 cup diced cheese (e.g., mozzarella, provolone)
- 1 cup diced meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinated vegetables, cheese, meats, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Antipasto Pasta Salad
You can serve Antipasto Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It’s a great dish for gatherings, so put it on the table with some nice serving utensils. You can also garnish with fresh herbs for a prettier look!
How to Store Antipasto Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again!
Tips to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the dressing.
- Use a variety of vegetables and cheeses to suit your taste.
- Make the salad a day ahead for even better flavor.
Variation
Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even different types of meats or cheeses. You can also substitute the dressing with a simple olive oil and vinegar mix if you prefer!
Print
Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (pasta cooking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (except pasta)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Antipasto Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish that brings together delicious ingredients in one bowl. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re having a picnic, potluck, or a family dinner. This salad is not only filling but also packed with flavors that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup marinated vegetables (e.g., artichokes, olives, bell peppers)
- 1 cup diced cheese (e.g., mozzarella, provolone)
- 1 cup diced meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinated vegetables, cheese, meats, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle—they hold up well with the other ingredients.
- Drain excess oil or brine from marinated vegetables to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Customize with your favorite antipasto ingredients like roasted red peppers or pepperoncini.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
FAQs
Can I make Antipasto Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s better if you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors blend.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Any short pasta works well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the meats and add more vegetables or beans for protein.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Antipasto Pasta Salad with your loved ones!
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