ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD
Antipasto Pasta Salad is a colorful, flavorful dish with pasta, fresh vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats tossed in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for parties, picnics, or family meals, it’s easy to make and loved by all.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 3 cups rotini pasta cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup cup black olives sliced
- ½ cup cup green bell pepper diced
Cheeses:
- ½ cup cup mozzarella cheese cubed
- ½ cup cup provolone cheese cubed
Meats:
- ½ cup cup salami sliced
- ½ cup cup pepperoni sliced
Dressing & Seasoning:
- ½ cup cup Italian dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1 tsp teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tsp teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Prepare Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
Mix Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and black olives.
Add Cheeses & Meats:
- Add cubed cheeses and sliced meats to the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine.
Dress Salad:
- Pour Italian dressing over the salad. Sprinkle oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold as a side dish or party salad.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare a few hours in advance for flavors to meld.
- Variations: Swap meats with peppered turkey or ham, and add artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled as a side dish for BBQs, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free.
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.