Italian Antipasto Salad: A Flavor-Packed Classic
Why You’ll Love This Salad
If you love bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and effortless meals, then this Italian Antipasto Salad is exactly what you need! Not only is it packed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, but it also features creamy mozzarella and savory salami. As a result, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Even better, this dish comes together in just minutes—no cooking required—making it ideal for busy weeknights or even last-minute gatherings.
What Is Antipasto?
But have you ever wondered, what exactly is antipasto? In Italian, the word “antipasto” means “before the meal,” referring to the traditional first course of an Italian feast. Typically, it includes cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives, all beautifully arranged on a platter. Instead of serving everything separately, this salad expertly transforms those bold flavors into one delicious, easy-to-eat dish. That way, you get the best of everything in every bite while still keeping things simple and completely mess-free.
A Versatile & Customizable Dish
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. For instance, if you absolutely prefer a little extra crunch, you can easily add toasted pine nuts or even homemade croutons. Similarly, if you are looking for a protein boost, grilled chicken or thinly sliced prosciutto are both excellent choices. Plus, you can swap in different types of cheese, such as feta or provolone, for a unique, customizable twist. No matter how you prepare it, this Italian Antipasto Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings classic Italian flavors straight to your table. In fact, it tastes just like a trip to Italy—without ever leaving your kitchen!
Pairing Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
Even though this salad is already fantastic on its own, you can easily pair it with a crusty loaf of Italian bread, a bowl of warm soup, or even a light pasta dish to create a full meal. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer, it’s sure to become a favorite every time.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
one cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
half cup black olives, halved
1/2 cup green olives, halved
half cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
1/2 cup Genoa salami, sliced into strips
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
one-fourth cup pepperoncini, sliced
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shaved
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
DRESSING
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
one tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
half cup tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, black olives, green olives, mozzarella balls, salami, red onion, pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
3. Toss with dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle shaved parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately!
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, high-quality salami, and briny olives make all the difference in flavor!
- Marinate for More Flavor: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes after tossing to let the flavors meld together.
- Customize It: Add prosciutto, grilled chicken, or even crunchy croutons for an extra twist!
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