Traditional Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Traditional Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant combination of classic Italian flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a taste of Italy, this dish brings a satisfying mixture of textures and flavors to the table.

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta acts as the hearty base, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Salami and pepperoni add a savory, meaty touch that’s quintessentially Italian. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness, while diced red bell pepper adds a crisp, crunchy texture. Black olives contribute a briny, salty note, complementing the creamy mozzarella cubes. The Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, salty finish, and the red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite. Chopped fresh basil leaves infuse the salad with a fragrant, aromatic touch, and a drizzle of Italian dressing ties everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop it from continuing to cook and to cool it down quickly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor; the pre-grated kind can lack depth.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a standalone dish but pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal, or with crusty bread to soak up any delicious leftover dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
What can I substitute for mozzarella?
Try using provolone or fontina for a similar creamy texture. Feta can also add a nice tang.
How long can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again.

Traditional Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. I like to keep it al dente for a little extra bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool completely. This prevents any cheese from melting prematurely when you mix everything together.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with salami, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, Parmesan, red onion, and basil. Take a moment to admire the colorful medley you’ve created.

Pour the Italian dressing over the top. This is the magic touch that brings everything together. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly, ensuring every component gets a good coating of dressing.

Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the meats and cheese are already salty, so taste as you go. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Packed with a variety of flavors from savory meats to fresh veggies.
  • A great make-ahead dish that gets better as it marinates.
  • Customizable with your favorite antipasto ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb rotini pasta
1/2 cup sliced salami
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup cubed mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup Italian dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, salami, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, black olives, mozzarella, Parmesan, red onion, and basil.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

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