Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a refreshing lunch. Combining hearty pasta with savory salami, olives, and mozzarella, it’s tossed in zesty Italian dressing for a truly satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup sliced salami
• 1/2 cup olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella, cubed
• 1/3 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced salami, olives, and mozzarella cubes.
2. Step 2: Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use tri-color rotini pasta for a more colorful presentation.
• Add chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and crunch.
• Swap Italian dressing for a homemade vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter option.
• For a vegetarian version, replace salami with grilled vegetables or marinated artichokes.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir. If the salad seems dry, add a little more dressing and toss again. It’s best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?

Yes, any sturdy pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works well because they hold up to the dressing and mix-ins without becoming soggy.

How long should I chill the salad before serving?

Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld nicely, but you can refrigerate it for a few hours if you want a cooler, more developed taste.

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 85 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad featuring tender pasta, savory salami, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light meal, this salad is quick to prepare and great for gatherings or meal prep.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta Salad Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne), cooled
• 1 cup sliced salami, chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or mini balls
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then allow to cool completely.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the salami into bite-sized pieces, slice the olives, and cube or drain the mozzarella balls.
3. Combine Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, olives, and mozzarella.
4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Use your favorite type of pasta; rotini or penne work best to hold the dressing.
• Feel free to add other antipasto ingredients such as pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute the mozzarella with part-skim cheese or use a low-fat Italian dressing.
• This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.

Keywords: Italian pasta salad, antipasto pasta salad, cold pasta salad, picnic salad, easy pasta salad recipe