Antipasto Pasta Salad

Antipasto Pasta Salad is simple to put together, pretty to present and oh so flavorful. With marinated vegetables, cheeses, meats, and pasta all tossed in a homemade Italian dressing it is the perfect combination of flavors. 

Summer is not the same without pasta salad! And this version is the perfect side dish to any entrée, whether it’s oven baked chicken breasts or barbecue!

What Is Antipasto?

Typically, antipasto is the first course of a formal Italian meal. Usually, marinated vegetables, cheeses, mushrooms, and meats are arranged on a plate so guests can help themselves.

In this antipasto pasta salad, we use pasta as a base for all the other ingredients so it can be served as a side dish or even as an entrée. Mangia!

As Easy As 1,2,3…

Making this antipasto pasta salad is truly easy.

1. Pasta: Cook pasta ‘al dente‘ and rinse under cold water. Al dente means ‘to the bite’, just a little undercooked so it holds up after being added to the other ingredients.
2. Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients or use a bottled Italian dressing.
3. Combine: Toss together the pasta with remaining ingredients and toss with dressing.

Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to blend.

Can You Make Antipasto Salad in Advance?

Absolutely! This is one of the best side dishes to make in advance and it will stay crisp and flavorful!

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and it’s as good as new!

Serve It With:

Antipasto Pasta Salad goes with everything. Or it can stand alone because all the food groups are represented here (or top it with grilled chicken if you’d like).

For a summer-evening entrée serve with a nice slice of crusty garlic bread. As a side dish, it pairs perfectly with any kind of meat.

More Perfect Pasta Salads

• Italian Pasta Salad – ready in 20 mins!
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – Reader favorite!
• Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad – 5 ingredient creamy dressing
• Pesto Pasta Salad – favorite for a summer picnic or barbecue
• Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad – packed with flavor, color, and texture!

Review Recipe

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 6

Author Holly Nilsson

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

This pasta salad is a fun and flavorful combination of marinated vegetables, cheeses, meats, and pasta! Perfect as a side dish or an entree on its own.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 6 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts quartered & drained (reserve juices*)
• 1/3 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup olives green, black or a mixture
• 4 oz sliced salami halved
• 8 oz bocconcini
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

Dressing

• 1 cup bottled Italian dressing

or

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil or use some of the reserved olive oil from the artichoke hearts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
• Combine all dressing ingredient in a bowl and whisk to combine.
• Toss all ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is calculated using homemade dressing. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 486, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 750mg, Potassium: 341mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 805IU, Vitamin C: 25.5mg, Calcium: 169mg, Iron: 1.8mg

Keyword Antipasto Pasta Salad

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