The vibrant combination of cured meats, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and tangy pepperoncini creates a savory bite that bursts with Italian flavor in every forkful. Tossed with rotini pasta and coated in a robust red wine vinaigrette, this pasta salad is everything you want in a chilled summer dish—fresh, filling, and full of personality.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or an easy weeknight dinner, this antipasto pasta salad is your go-to dish. With minimal prep, customizable ingredients, and bold Mediterranean flavor, it’s perfect as a main or hearty side. Pro tip: let it chill for 30 minutes before serving to deepen those delicious flavors!
Full Recipe:
For the Salad:
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8 oz. dry rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
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9 oz. hard salami, chopped (or ¾ cup presliced)
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6.5 oz. pepperoni, chopped (or ½ cup presliced)
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1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained & quartered
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup olives, pitted & halved (Kalamata, green, or a mix)
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½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
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8 oz. mozzarella pearls
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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⅓ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
For the Vinaigrette:
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½ cup olive oil
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¼ cup red wine vinegar
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool completely.
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In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Chop salami, pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes. Slice olives, red onion, and basil.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, meats, veggies, cheese, and basil. Pour desired amount of vinaigrette over the mixture.
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Toss well until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor.
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Optional: Sprinkle each portion with shredded parmesan and extra basil before serving.
Prep Time: 17 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes Antipasto Pasta Salad So Irresistible?
Antipasto pasta salad is an exciting fusion of two beloved Italian concepts: the traditional antipasto platter and a hearty, cold pasta dish. The term antipasto itself refers to the “before the meal” course in Italian cuisine—typically a medley of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives served to stimulate the appetite. By combining these classic elements with pasta, you get a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and color.
This dish is not only a flavorful explosion, but it’s also a practical and customizable addition to any table. Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue, need a dish to bring to a potluck, or want something easy to store for weekday lunches, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s a delightful mix of salty, tangy, creamy, and fresh components that keeps people coming back for seconds.
The Cultural Roots of Antipasto and Its Modern Twist
The concept of antipasto is deeply rooted in Italian culture, where meals are viewed as celebrations. Traditional antipasto platters include a variety of cured meats like salami and prosciutto, cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone, olives, artichokes, roasted peppers, and sometimes pickled vegetables. It’s all about layering bold flavors that awaken the palate.
Transforming this concept into a pasta salad is a modern adaptation that brings the tradition to casual dining. The inclusion of pasta turns this dish into something more filling and portable, making it perfect for events where refrigeration might be limited, or for guests who want a substantial yet refreshing bite.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Summer (or Any Season!)
While it shines during summer gatherings thanks to its chilled, refreshing quality, antipasto pasta salad is truly a dish for all seasons. It’s equally appropriate served in spring picnics, fall tailgates, or even as a holiday side dish. The bold Italian flavors are seasonless, and the versatility of ingredients means you can always tailor it to what’s fresh and available.
During the warmer months, its cool temperature and zippy vinaigrette provide a much-needed contrast to heavier grilled foods. In colder seasons, the savory meats and hearty nature of the pasta still offer comfort and substance. You can even make it more seasonally specific by switching out a few vegetables or adjusting the herb mix.
What Sets This Recipe Apart From Other Pasta Salads
Unlike creamy pasta salads that rely on mayonnaise or sour cream, this version gets its zing from a homemade Italian vinaigrette. The base of olive oil and red wine vinegar, combined with fresh garlic and Italian spices, creates a bright and tangy dressing that elevates every ingredient it touches. It’s not heavy, allowing the individual flavors of the meat, cheese, and vegetables to shine through.
Additionally, the use of rotini or bow tie pasta ensures that the dressing and chopped ingredients cling to every bite. The pasta’s shape and ridges act like flavor magnets, capturing the essence of the vinaigrette and the juicy bits of tomatoes, peppers, and olives.
A Textural Symphony in Every Bite
One of the defining characteristics of this antipasto pasta salad is the dynamic contrast of textures. The pasta provides a tender, satisfying chew. Meats like salami and pepperoni add a savory, firm bite. Creamy mozzarella pearls introduce a soft, luscious texture, while ingredients like pepperoncini and red onion give a satisfying crunch.
Artichoke hearts and olives bring a briny, slightly bitter element that complements the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the meat. When you bite into this salad, you’re not just tasting—you’re experiencing layers of texture that play off each other in exciting ways.
How to Customize It to Your Preferences
One of the beauties of this dish is how customizable it is. You can tailor the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, taste preferences, or pantry limitations.
Want a vegetarian version? Skip the meats and bulk up the vegetables with roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Looking for a spicier kick? Add more pepperoncini or even a dash of chili oil to the vinaigrette.
For those avoiding gluten, substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free alternative—just ensure it holds up well to refrigeration and tossing. The salad is also naturally nut-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the mozzarella or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
Italian antipasto pasta salad is one of the most versatile dishes you can have in your recipe arsenal. It’s ideal for:
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Potlucks and BBQs: Easy to transport and serve cold.
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Picnics: No need for heating or reheating—perfect chilled.
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Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge for 4–5 days.
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Lunchboxes: Satisfying enough for a stand-alone meal.
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Holiday Buffets: A bright and tangy contrast to heavier dishes.
It’s especially appreciated at gatherings because it satisfies a wide range of dietary preferences and pairs well with both vegetarian and meat-based main dishes.
Tips to Get the Best Flavor
For maximum flavor impact, here are a few key tips:
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Let it chill: While you can eat the salad right after assembling, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Toss again before serving: Pasta tends to soak up the vinaigrette, so tossing it with a little reserved dressing just before serving freshens it up.
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Use fresh basil: Dried herbs can’t replicate the peppery, aromatic quality that fresh basil brings. Slice it thinly for even distribution.
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Balance your salt: Cured meats and olives are naturally salty. Taste before adding more salt to the vinaigrette.
Storing and Making Ahead
This pasta salad is an excellent choice for make-ahead meals. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when kept in an airtight container. If you’re prepping it in advance for an event, you can assemble most of the salad and dressing separately. Combine them about an hour before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.
Avoid freezing, as the textures of the vegetables and pasta do not hold up well when thawed.
Pairing Suggestions
Since this salad is already robust in flavor, consider pairing it with simpler dishes that won’t compete but rather complement its zestiness:
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Grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
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Garlic bread or focaccia
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Tomato basil soup
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Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
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Sparkling waters with lemon or lime
Whether it’s a centerpiece or a side, antipasto pasta salad works harmoniously alongside many dishes.
Conclusion: A Must-Have Recipe for All Occasions
Italian antipasto pasta salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a full-flavored, texture-packed, vibrant bowl of Mediterranean joy. Its appeal lies in its balance of convenience and sophistication, its ability to please a crowd, and its flexibility for customization. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, adding it to your weekly meal prep, or simply enjoying a bowl for lunch, this pasta salad delivers satisfaction with every forkful.
Bright, bold, and beautiful—this dish celebrates everything we love about Italian-inspired cuisine in one easy-to-make bowl.