Description
This Antipasto Pasta Salad brings together the best of Italian flavors. With fresh veggies, zesty olives, and creamy mozzarella, it’s perfect for quick lunches or gatherings. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for any food lover!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces short pasta rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
- 1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine
- 12 ounces jar marinated artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- ½ cup mixed olives black, green, kalamata – halved
- ½ cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 4 ounces salami diced or sliced into half-moons
- 4 ounces pepperoni quartered
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncinis
- ⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh basil torn or chiffonade
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons dijon mustard
- ¾ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoons kosher salt plus more for pasta water
- ¼ teaspoons black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Drizzle the pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking and place it in a large bowl.
- In a jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Seal and shake to combine.
- Pour half the vinaigrette over the warm pasta and toss to coat. Let cool to room temperature.
- Add tomatoes, mozzarella, marinated artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, salami, pepperoni, pepperoncinis, and red onion to the pasta. Toss to mix them well.
- Add the remaining vinaigrette and toss again. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Can be served cold or at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, skip the meats and add more veggies.
The pasta salad can be made a day ahead for even better flavor.
Adjust the vinegar and seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg