Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
- The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
- What Makes This Pasta Salad Special?
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
- Customizing Your Pasta Salad
- How to Store and Serve
- Key Takeaways
Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
Clara from Clara Cooks brings you this vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner. This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a refreshing combination of bold flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. With its simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
The Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a family barbecue, a light lunch, or a meal-prep-friendly option for busy days, this pasta salad fits the bill. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish yet versatile enough to complement any spread. The balanced flavors of Italian meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables make every bite satisfying.
What Makes This Pasta Salad Special?
This dish stands out because of its combination of flavors—savory, tangy, and slightly creamy. The mix of fresh ingredients, Italian dressing, and herbs makes it both delicious and refreshing. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen without the need for complex cooking techniques.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
One of the best things about this Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is its simple yet high-impact ingredients. The combination of al dente pasta, tangy olives, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella pearls creates an irresistible taste. Tossed with an authentic Italian dressing, every forkful bursts with bold and delightful flavors.
Customizing Your Pasta Salad
This recipe is flexible, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Want to keep it vegetarian? Skip the salami and add artichokes for extra depth. Looking for a bit more protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish. Feel free to adjust the dressing, herbs, and mix-ins to match your taste.
How to Store and Serve
For the best taste, refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When serving leftovers, give the salad a quick toss and add a little extra dressing if needed to freshen it up.
Key Takeaways
- This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a quick and easy recipe, perfect for any occasion.
- It combines fresh, bold flavors with simple ingredients for a satisfying dish.
- The recipe is highly customizable—adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
- Make it ahead of time for meal prep, parties, or a no-fuss dinner option.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for easy leftovers.
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
- 1/2 cup salami, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, mozzarella pearls, salami, red onion, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.
- Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and toss until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
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