Turn the classic Italian appetizer into a fresh, vibrant Antipasto Salad, packed with bold flavors and your favorite Mediterranean bites.
Growing up with an Italian family on my mom’s side, I heard the term “antipasto” a lot, but didn’t know what it meant until I was much older. When I was really little, I got confused because I thought the adults were claiming to be “anti-pasta” even though we ate pasta all the time!
In Italian, antipasto basically means “appetizer.” The Latin root anti means “before” and pastus means “food,” and so the Italian word antipasto roughly translates to “before the meal.” That being said, this antipasto salad is a whole meal in itself! The mix of meat and veggies creates a uniquely elevated flavor and texture, one that can leave you feeling like you’re in a 5-star ristorante. All in the comfort of your home!
Antipasto salad has all the goodies of an Italian charcuterie board, but mixed together with a simple red wine vinaigrette. From succulent salami to fresh and creamy mozzarella, this salad has a little something for everyone. Plus, you can remove the meat to make it vegetarian and it’s still bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it before a meal or as the main course, antipasto salad is sure to satisfy.
Is Antipasto Salad Healthy?
With cured meat and two types of cheese, this antipasto salad isn’t the healthiest dish out there, however, it does also contain plenty of vegetables, as well as olive oil. It’s also gluten-free. If needed for a vegetarian diet, you can remove the meat or swap it out with roasted chickpeas for some plant-based protein.
Antipasto’s Timeless Appeal
It’s no surprise to me that the ancient Romans served olives, cured meats, cheese, and various vegetables to tide over their guests’ appetites. Just imagine the kind of banquets and parties those guys hosted! Since that time, however, antipasto has become more commonplace. Just the other night, my dear friend hosted a “wine and cheese night” that was overflowing with many classic antipasto favorites – olives, pepperoncini peppers (stuffed with cheese!), mozzarella, prosciutto, and, of course, vino! It was cool to sit back and think about how far and wide this Italian tradition has spread. The next time an event like that happens, I’ll bring this salad with me.
How to make ahead and store
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so it doesn’t get soggy. But if you need to make it ahead of time, I suggest preparing the ingredients and storing each one in a separate container for 1 to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve the salad, toss it together in a bowl and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the antipasto salad as an appetizer or side to Italian Meatloaf and Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Spinach Tomato Pasta, or The Best Margherita Pizza.
Make this salad your main with some lighter sides like Roasted Zucchini or Roasted Kabocha Squash. I enjoy a good antipasto salad with a glass of red wine, but you might also like it with a sweet Wine Spritzer.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Genoa salami cubed
- 5 ounces prosciutto chopped
- 4 ounces provolone cheese cubed
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup artichoke hearts quartered and drained
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted
- 1/2 cup green olives pitted
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers chopped
- 3/4 cup pepperoncini peppers chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
Instructions
- Prepare the meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- In a large bowl, combine the salami, proscuitto, provolone, mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, olives and peppers; gently fold to evenly disperse them.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad components and toss to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper and add fresh basil right before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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