Fresh & Zesty Antipasto Salad Recipe: A Colorful Italian Classic

The vibrant colors of this classic antipasto salad recipe dance across the plate like a Mediterranean masterpiece.

fresh ingredients burst with flavor and texture in every delightful bite.

Italian delis inspired this colorful medley of cured meats, cheeses, and crisp vegetables.

Briny olives and tangy pepperoncini add a zesty punch to the mix.

Each ingredient tells a story of traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Crunchy and refreshing, this salad brings a taste of Italy right to your table.

Prepare to transform your next meal into a delicious celebration of bold flavors.

FAQs

• What makes this antipasto salad different from traditional salads?

This antipasto salad combines Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, multiple types of olives, pepperoncinis, and two different cheeses for a more robust and flavorful experience compared to standard green salads.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

While most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, always check individual ingredient labels for salami, olives, and seasonings to confirm complete gluten-free status.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prep ingredients separately ahead of time, but mix everything together and add dressing just before serving to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy and maintain fresh texture.

Antipasto Salad That Pops With Color and Crunch

• Chop, slice, and mix ingredients quickly without complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results in minutes.
• Packed with bold Mediterranean ingredients like salami, olives, pepperoncinis, and multiple cheeses, delivering a rich, tangy taste experience that excites the palate.
• Adaptable for various occasions from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings, picnics, or as a stunning appetizer that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Skip the stove completely – this cold salad comes together with simple assembly, reducing kitchen stress and keeping your cooking space cool and clean.

Fresh Finds For the Ultimate Antipasto Bowl

• Grape Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, adding a burst of freshness to the salad.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a pop of color and herbal note.

• Salami: Savory Italian cured meat that adds a rich, meaty flavor.
• Feta Cheese, Manchego Cheese: Tangy and creamy cheeses that provide a rich and salty dimension to the salad.

• Black Olives, Green Olives: Salty and briny components that enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Pepperoncinis: Tangy and slightly spicy pickled peppers that add a zesty kick.
• Marinated Artichokes: Tender and flavorful vegetable with a mild, slightly tangy taste.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Base for a classic vinaigrette that brings all flavors together.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides a robust and savory undertone.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the salad.

Kitchen Staples For Quick Antipasto Prep

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients together.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful dressing.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping, slicing, and quartering ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and salami.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and vinegar.

Building Bold Antipasto Layers

Step 1: Slice and Chop Fresh Ingredients

Halve grape tomatoes into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Slice black and green olives into thin rings.

Cut pepperoncinis into rings.

Chop marinated artichokes into small chunks.

Quarter the salami into delicate pieces.

Crumble feta cheese and cube manchego cheese into appealing bits.

Step 2: Create Colorful Salad Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl.

Toss together the prepared grape tomatoes, olives, pepperoncinis, artichokes, salami, and both cheeses.

Gently mix the ingredients to create a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired blend.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dried Italian seasoning
• Grated garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley

Whisk ingredients together until they form a smooth, aromatic dressing.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Marry Salad with Dressing

Pour the vibrant dressing over the salad mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to coat every ingredient with the delicious vinaigrette.

Ensure each piece is beautifully dressed and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Present and Enjoy

Transfer the antipasto salad to a stunning serving platter or individual bowls.

Sprinkle additional fresh parsley on top for an extra pop of color.

Serve immediately and savor the explosion of Mediterranean flavors.

Tips for Salad That’s Bursting With Flavor

• Slice vegetables and meats uniformly to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Let the dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad, allowing herbs and garlic to infuse more intensely.
• Swap feta or manchego with goat cheese or parmesan for different flavor profiles while maintaining the salad's rich taste.
• Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, mixing just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing salami with marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas for protein and maintaining the salad's robust character.

Antipasto Remix: Creative Combos to Try

• Vegetarian Antipasto Salad: Replace salami with marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed plant-based version. Keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Salad: Swap salami for grilled chicken or turkey strips to ensure gluten-free compliance. Use certified gluten-free herbs and carefully selected ingredients.
• Low-Carb Keto Antipasto: Eliminate olives and pepperoncinis, increase salami and cheese portions. Add more leafy greens like arugula or spinach to create a low-carb friendly option.
• Greek-Inspired Variation: Substitute manchego with crumbled feta, add cucumber chunks, replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano, and include kalamata olives for an authentic Greek flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for a Showstopping Salad

• Picnic Paradise: Pack this antipasto salad in a portable container for a delightful outdoor lunch with friends, ensuring all ingredients stay crisp and fresh.
• Italian Appetizer Starter: Serve small portions as a tantalizing first course before a main meal, creating a perfect Mediterranean-style dining experience that awakens taste buds.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this zesty salad with a crisp pinot grigio or light sauvignon blanc, complementing the bold flavors of salami, olives, and tangy cheeses.
• Charcuterie Board Transformation: Spread the salad ingredients across a wooden board, adding crusty bread slices and extra herbs for an elegant and interactive dining presentation.

Keeping Antipasto Crisp and Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent ingredient spoilage.
• Store the dressing separately in a sealed container to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Mix just before serving to preserve the crisp texture.
• Do not freeze this antipasto salad, as the vegetables and cheeses will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.
• Consume the salad cold or at room temperature. If needed, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the ingredients slightly.

Antipasto Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic antipasto salad blends Italian flavors with crisp vegetables, cured meats, and tangy cheeses. Mediterranean ingredients create a refreshing starter perfect for summer gatherings and social meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Meats:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) thinly sliced salami, quartered

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 pound (454 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sliced pepperoncinis
• 1 garlic clove, grated

Olives, Cheese, and Herbs:

• 1 cup (150 grams) black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) green olives, sliced
• 1 cup (150 grams) chopped marinated artichokes
• 1 cup (150 grams) preferred cheese (1/2 cup (75 grams) crumbled feta and 1/2 cup (75 grams) cubed manchego recommended)
• 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously slice grape tomatoes into halves, creating uniform pieces that will distribute flavor evenly throughout the antipasto salad.
2. Cut black and green olives into thin rings, ensuring each slice adds a distinctive briny texture to the dish’s composition.
3. Carefully chop pepperoncinis and marinated artichokes into bite-sized segments that will blend seamlessly with other ingredients.
4. Quarter the delicate salami slices, creating bite-sized portions that will provide a rich, savory element to the salad.
5. Crumble feta cheese and cube manchego cheese into irregular pieces, allowing for varied cheese textures and taste experiences.
6. Combine all prepared ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding them together to create a harmonious blend without crushing delicate components.
7. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian seasoning, and freshly grated garlic in a separate small bowl, creating a vibrant, aromatic dressing.
8. Incorporate chopped fresh parsley into the dressing, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, using a gentle folding motion to ensure each component is evenly coated.
10. Transfer the dressed antipasto salad to a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh parsley for a bright, appealing presentation.
11. Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the salad’s optimal texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize Cheese Options: Swap feta and manchego with your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for personalized flavor profiles.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy salad.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna to transform this appetizer into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free salami and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate various dietary restrictions while keeping the original recipe’s vibrant essence.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg