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