Description
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring rotini pasta tossed with cured meats like salami and pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings, this salad combines savory, zesty, and fresh flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
- 4 oz (115 g) salami, diced
- 4 oz (115 g) pepperoni, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced salami, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped roasted red peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the combined pasta and ingredients, then toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Add artichoke hearts or banana peppers for extra flavor complexity.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
