Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italy’s classic antipasto platter with the heartiness of pasta. Packed with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables, it’s tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, making it a perfect side dish for gatherings or a light main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or busy weeknight dinners. The combination of bold antipasto flavors and al dente pasta offers a satisfying texture and taste in every bite. It can be made ahead of time, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, it’s customizable to your preference—add more vegetables, switch the meats, or use your favorite dressing.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotini or penne pasta, cooked and cooled

• Salami, diced or sliced into strips

• Prosciutto or pepperoni, chopped

• Mozzarella balls or cubes

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Roasted red peppers, sliced

• Artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

• Black or green olives, sliced

• Red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh basil, chopped

• Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, salami, prosciutto or pepperoni, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, and red onion.

3. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use tortellini instead of rotini for a cheesy twist.

• Swap out the meats for grilled chicken or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat entirely.

• Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or marinated mushrooms for extra flavor.

• Use feta or provolone instead of mozzarella for a different cheese profile.

• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or spicy salami.

storage/reheating

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If the salad seems dry after storage, add a little more dressing and toss before serving.

FAQs

What is antipasto pasta salad?

Antipasto pasta salad combines the traditional components of an Italian antipasto platter—such as cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables—with pasta, tossed in a vinaigrette-style dressing.

Can I make this pasta salad in advance?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle are ideal because they hold the dressing and mix-ins well.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the meats and consider adding more vegetables or beans for added substance.

Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pasta.

What kind of dressing should I use?

A zesty Italian dressing—either store-bought or homemade—works best to complement the antipasto ingredients.

How long does antipasto pasta salad last in the fridge?

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and fresh ingredients can deteriorate once thawed.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

Yes, rinsing helps cool the pasta quickly and prevents it from sticking together, which is ideal for cold pasta salads.

How can I prevent the salad from drying out?

If the salad seems dry after chilling, simply add a splash of dressing and toss again before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple to make and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at your next gathering or enjoying it as a light lunch, its bold flavors and satisfying textures are sure to impress. Prepare it in advance, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite.