Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings or potlucks. Combining savory salami, fresh mozzarella, and tangy olives with pasta and Italian dressing, it offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup diced salami
- 1/2 cup sliced olives (black or green)
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced salami, sliced olives, and cubed mozzarella.
- Step 2: Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of black and green olives for added color and flavor.
- For extra freshness, add chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
- Substitute salami with pepperoni or prosciutto for a different cured meat flavor.
- Make your own Italian dressing at home with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for a personalized touch.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle toss before serving again, and if needed, add a little extra dressing to refresh the flavors. This salad is best served chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie works well as it holds the dressing and ingredients nicely.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate. The flavors actually improve as it sits, just be sure to keep it chilled until serving.
PrintItalian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings or a refreshing meal. It combines pasta with savory salami, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing for a delightful and easy-to-make salad that can be prepared in minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well)
- 4 ounces sliced salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pitted olives, sliced (black or green)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearl-sized balls
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare ingredients: Slice the salami into bite-sized pieces. Slice the olives if whole. Cube the mozzarella if using block cheese.
- Combine pasta and ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, salami, olives, and mozzarella.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill the salad: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape but consider short, sturdy types like rotini or penne for best results.
- Feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor.
- The salad is best eaten within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
- Adjust the amount of Italian dressing to your taste preference, starting with less and adding more as needed.
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, antipasto salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, Italian dressing pasta
