If you’re looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with bold Italian flavors, this Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine a colorful medley of tender rotini pasta, savory salami and pepperoni, briny olives, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and bright herbs all joined by a zesty homemade Italian vinaigrette. It’s fresh, hearty, and perfectly balanced, making it an ideal dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or simply a delightful weeknight meal. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a salad that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Whether it’s the spicy kick from the pepperoncini or the creamy softness of mozzarella pearls, every element comes together for an unforgettable dish.
- 8 oz. dry rotini pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini hold the dressing beautifully and offer a perfect bite every time.
- 9 oz. hard salami, chopped: Adds a punch of savory, meaty flavor that’s classic in antipasto mixes.
- 6.5 oz. pepperoni, chopped: Provides a slightly spicy counterpart to the salami and balances the salad’s richness.
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained & quartered: Tender and tangy, artichokes contribute a subtle earthiness.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and sweet, they add freshness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup olives, pitted & halved: Kalamata, green, or a mix brings a salty, briny note that livens up every bite.
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced: Offers a mild heat and a vinegary pop that wakes up the palate.
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls: Creamy and mild, they soften the bold flavors and add silky texture.
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin: Sharp and slightly sweet, thin slices add a crunchy contrast.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thin: Fresh herbs are key to bringing brightness and authentic Italian flair.
- ½ cup olive oil: Rich and fruity, it binds the salad together and brings out all the flavors.
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect tang to balance the richness of the meats and cheese.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dressing with aromatic warmth that lingers delightfully.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the salad depth and complexity.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Fundamentals that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, so it won’t get mushy once mixed with the dressing. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool completely. Cooling the pasta is crucial — it helps the pasta soak up the flavors of the dressing without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the vinaigrette
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. This vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, bringing brightness, tanginess, and a little spicy kick that ties every ingredient together wonderfully. Store it chilled while you prep the rest of the salad ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare your salad ingredients
Chop the hard salami and pepperoni into bite-sized pieces. Halve the juicy cherry tomatoes and olives, slice the pepperoncini and red onion thinly, quarter the artichoke hearts, and slice fresh basil leaves. Taking care to cut everything evenly ensures that every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Mix & chill
Once the pasta has completely cooled, combine it in a large mixing bowl with all your prepared ingredients. Pour over your desired amount of the vinaigrette, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all components with that flavorful dressing. At this point, you can serve immediately for a fresh, crisp salad or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour for the flavors to develop even more deeply.
Step 5: Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and extra ribbons of fresh basil on top to add a gorgeous finishing touch. This last step introduces a sharp, savory contrast and makes the presentation irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, garnish your pasta salad with freshly chopped parsley or more basil leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors just before serving. These simple additions bring freshness and a polished look that will impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or sausage, crusty garlic bread, or even a light green salad. The vibrant salad works as a hearty side or a delicious main dish, making it flexible enough to suit any occasion or craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the antipasto pasta salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or large lettuce cups for bite-sized appetizers. You can also layer it in clear glasses with basil leaves for an elegant, individual presentation at parties. Embracing its colorful ingredients lets you get inventive and delight your guests visually as well as taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors blend and intensify after a day or two, so the salad actually tastes better as it sits. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some of the dressing over time, so consider adding a splash of olive oil or vinegar to refresh it when serving again.
Freezing
Since this salad contains fresh vegetables, cheese, and cured meats, freezing is not recommended as the texture and flavor will degrade significantly. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated to preserve its crisp and vibrant qualities.
Reheating
This dish is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or advised. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off while maintaining the fresh textures.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for trapping the dressing and ingredients, penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni also work wonderfully. Just make sure to use short pasta that holds dressing well.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap out the salami and pepperoni for marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, or additional olives and cheeses to keep that antipasto spirit without the meat.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors marry even better if made in advance, but it’s best to wait until just before serving to add fresh basil so it stays vibrant and doesn’t wilt.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
Substitute with white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and tangy enough to brighten the salad.
Can I use pre-sliced meats and cheese?
Definitely! Using pre-sliced salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella pearls saves prep time and works perfectly for this easy Italian antipasto pasta salad recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of flavors and textures that’s simple enough for any skill level yet impressive enough for any gathering. The combination of fresh ingredients and homemade vinaigrette makes it endlessly satisfying, and the versatility means it can easily be adapted to your tastes or pantry staples. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it’s one of those dishes that’s always ready to brighten your table and excite your taste buds.
Print
Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a flavorful and colorful combination of rotini pasta, savory salami and pepperoni, fresh vegetables, olives, and mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or party side dish, it can be served immediately or chilled to let the flavors meld.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz. dry rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
Meats
- 9 oz. hard salami, chopped (or ¾ cup presliced)
- 6.5 oz. pepperoni, chopped (or ½ cup presliced)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained & quartered
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup olives, pitted & halved (kalamata, green, or a mixture)
- ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
Dairy
- 8 oz. mozzarella pearls
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the dry rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Chill this dressing in the refrigerator while preparing the salad ingredients.
- Prepare your salad ingredients: Chop the hard salami and pepperoni if not pre-sliced. Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives, slice the pepperoncini and thinly slice the red onion and fresh basil leaves to prepare for the salad assembly.
- Mix & chill: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and basil. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. You can serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle shredded parmesan and extra fresh basil over each serving for added flavor and garnish. Enjoy your Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use your favorite short pasta shape if rotini is not available, such as penne or fusilli.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and pepperoni and add more vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but best consumed fresh.
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