Antipasto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad isn’t here to play. It’s loaded with bold flavors, salty meats, and enough cheese to make an Italian grandmother nod in approval. Think of it as a charcuterie board disguised as a salad—because calling it a “balanced meal” helps with guilt. Tender pasta, briny olives, crisp veggies, and tangy vinaigrette bring everything together. It’s perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or when you’re too lazy to cook anything complicated. Every bite is a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly indulgent. Serve it cold, and pretend you didn’t already eat half straight from the bowl.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
A loaded, flavor-packed pasta salad inspired by Italian antipasto. A mix of meats, cheese, veggies, and zesty dressing makes every bite addictive.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta rotini or penne for maximum sauce holding
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (for bursts of freshness)
- 1 cup mozzarella balls halved (tiny but mighty)
- ½ cup salami diced (the saltier, the better)
- ½ cup pepperoni chopped (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup black olives sliced (briny goodness)
- ½ cup roasted red peppers chopped (sweet and smoky)
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced (adds a sharp kick)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan grated (because cheese is life)
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1 tbsp olive oil for extra richness
- ½ tsp black pepper to season like a pro
- ½ tsp salt taste before adding more
- 1 tsp oregano because it belongs here
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, because mushy pasta is a crime. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop all ingredients while resisting the urge to snack on the cheese.
- Whisk Italian dressing, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Toss pasta, meats, cheese, olives, tomatoes, onions, and peppers in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top like your life depends on it. Serve cold or chill for later.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 22%
- Iron: 12%
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Potassium: 14%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Swap pepperoni for prosciutto if you’re feeling fancy.
- Use whole-wheat pasta for a “healthier” excuse to eat more.
- Add fresh basil for extra Italian flair.
- Make a double batch—people will fight for seconds.
- Let it chill for an hour before serving for maximum flavor.
