Zesty Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Summer gatherings spark excitement around this zesty antipasto pasta salad that combines classic Italian flavors with fresh ingredients.

Colorful vegetables and savory meats dance alongside perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Crisp pepperoncini and tangy salami create a delightful flavor profile that feels both familiar and unexpected.

Kalamata olives and herbed dressing add rich, complex notes to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick to assemble and even faster to disappear, this recipe promises to become your go-to summer potluck sensation.

You’ll want to make extra for second helpings and leftovers.

Why Antipasto Pasta Salad Is Always a Crowd Pleaser

• Quick and Easy Pasta Delight that Satisfies Everyone
• This antipasto pasta salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, mozzarella, and olives, this versatile dish works beautifully for summer potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings where people love sharing hearty meals.
• The salad tastes even better after chilling, allowing flavors to develop and making it an ideal make-ahead recipe for meal planning or entertaining unexpected guests with minimal last-minute stress.
• Easy to modify with different proteins, cheeses, or vegetables, this recipe adapts to dietary preferences and pantry availability while maintaining its delightful Mediterranean-style essence.

All the Ingredients in Antipasto Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Provides the foundation for the salad, perfect for holding dressing and absorbing flavors. Short pasta shapes work best for easy mixing and eating.

• Salami, Mozzarella: Adds rich, savory protein and creamy texture to the salad. Choose high-quality Italian-style salami and fresh mozzarella for the best taste.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Roasted Red Peppers, Artichoke Hearts, Red Onion, Olives: Create vibrant color and fresh, tangy flavors. Select ripe, firm vegetables for maximum taste and texture. Mediterranean-style vegetables work wonderfully.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Provides bright, herbal notes and beautiful green garnish. Use fresh herbs for maximum aroma and flavor.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Creates a classic Italian-style vinaigrette with balanced, zesty flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.

How to Toss Together Antipasto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let pasta cool completely.

• Pasta
• Salt
• Water

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Dressing

Blend dressing ingredients in a bowl or mason jar until smooth and well combined.

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Build Colorful Ingredient Layer

Toss together cooled pasta with a vibrant mix of classic antipasto ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Cooked pasta
• Cherry tomatoes
• Salami slices
• Mozzarella cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Roasted red peppers
• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Thinly sliced red onion

Step 4: Dress and Coat

Pour prepared dressing over pasta mixture. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and basil leaves.

Tips That Keep Pasta Salad Crisp, Not Mushy

• Maximize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta exactly al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring each bite remains firm and holds dressing perfectly.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap salami with grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make this salad a day in advance to intensify flavor absorption, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop richer taste profiles.
• Boost Freshness Factor: Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley right before serving to introduce vibrant, aromatic layers and enhance overall brightness.
• Adapt Dietary Needs: Replace cheese with vegan alternatives or omit for dairy-free version, maintaining the salad's delicious Mediterranean-inspired essence.

Store Antipasto Salad Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the pasta salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Not recommended, as pasta and fresh vegetables will become soggy and lose texture when thawed.
• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator, as this salad is best served chilled. If you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the ingredients.

What to Serve Alongside This Pasta Salad

• Perfect Pairings for Antipasto Pasta Salad
• Chianti or Sangiovese complements the salami and mozzarella, cutting through the rich, tangy ingredients with balanced acidity and fruity notes.
• A chilled Provençal rosé balances the salad's bold flavors, offering a light, zesty counterpoint to the salty meats and creamy cheese.
• Serve with a rustic ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious dressing, adding textural contrast and enhancing the overall Mediterranean experience.
• Pair with lemon-infused or basil-mint sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and highlight the salad's fresh herb garnish.

Antipasto Pasta Salad Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Antipasto Delight: Replace salami with grilled tofu or tempeh cubes, using plant-based mozzarella for a meat-free version packed with protein.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Mix: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free rotini or chickpea pasta, ensuring celiac-friendly ingredients while maintaining authentic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Italian Crunch: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving classic antipasto ingredients.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Remix: Use quinoa instead of pasta, adding extra protein and creating a nutrient-dense alternative that complements traditional antipasto components.

Got Questions? Antipasto Salad Answers Inside

• What makes this pasta salad different from other pasta salads?

This Antipasto Pasta Salad is inspired by classic Italian appetizer ingredients, blending salami, mozzarella, olives, and roasted red peppers for a robust, Mediterranean-style flavor profile that transforms a simple pasta salad into a gourmet experience.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta salad actually tastes better when prepared in advance. The flavors develop and intensify when chilled for a few hours or overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian-friendly?

No, this specific recipe contains salami, which makes it non-vegetarian. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the salami or replacing it with plant-based protein alternatives like marinated tofu or chickpeas.

• How long can this pasta salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this pasta salad remains fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.

Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Italian antipasto pasta salad brings Mediterranean charm to your table, blending zesty salami, tangy olives, and fresh herbs with perfectly al dente pasta. Crisp vegetables and rich dressing create a delightful harmony you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 1 cup (100g) diced salami or pepperoni
• 1 cup (100g) mozzarella balls or cubes
• 12 oz (340g) rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75g) sliced black or green olives
• ½ cup (75g) roasted red peppers, diced
• ¼ cup (30g) artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80ml) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness. Immediately cool the pasta under cold running water to halt the cooking process and prevent clumping.
2. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by vigorously whisking together robust olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, minced garlic, aromatic oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and unified.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine the chilled pasta with a colorful medley of ingredients: juicy cherry tomatoes, savory salami slices, creamy mozzarella cubes, briny olives, smoky roasted red peppers, tender artichoke hearts, and sharp red onion pieces.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, using a gentle folding technique to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and seasoned.
5. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to intertwine and develop complexity. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and basil leaves as a final aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that catch dressing and hold ingredients perfectly in every bite.
• Drain pasta completely and cool quickly to prevent clumping and maintain a fresh, light texture for the salad.
• Marinate the salad for at least an hour to enhance flavor absorption and allow ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Customize protein options by substituting salami with grilled chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 25mg