Antipasto Pasta Salad is a delicious twist to your traditional pasta salad that uses salami, green olives, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. Don’t miss this easy make-ahead pasta salad with all of the delicious flavors you would find on an antipasto platter!
Great for barbecues, brunches, or a make-ahead lunch, the flavors of this Antipasto Pasta Salad are a real crowd pleaser. It’s guaranteed to be your new favorite pasta salad recipe.
Why this Antipasto Pasta Salad is the BEST!
If you love the flavors you find on a traditional Italian Antipasto platter, then you are going to love this salad. Made with all of those antipasto flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
What makes this pasta salad so special is the variations of flavors and textures you get from each bite. The salty salami pairs perfectly with the soft fresh mozzarella and the bite from the tomatoes.
This is also a great recipe to prepare in advance. I’m all about make-ahead recipes, so this is the perfect one to have on hand for the quick and delicious pasta salad.
Substitutions and variations are always allowed with this recipe. Use what you have on hand and omit what you don’t like. Any antipasto ingredient would be delicious in this salad.
Lastly, the fresh and simple Italian dressing really makes this Antipasto Pasta Salad special. It ties together all of the flavors without being overwhelming.
Ingredients
This is a great dish to make ahead. Plus, it’s a perfect salad to substitute your favorite antipasto platter ingredients.
For this recipe, you will need:
- Rotini pasta
- cherry tomatoes
- salami
- mozzarella
- green olives
- roasted red bell peppers
Additionally, you can substitute or add in other antipasto ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, black olives, or other cheeses. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand!
It’s the perfect side dish for every occasion! I like to make this ahead and serve at barbecues, pot lucks, and holidays. Also, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Antipasto Pasta Salad is a simple recipe that’s easy to prepare. Moreover, it’s a great recipe to make ahead and seems to get better the longer it sits. (A tip for making a day ahead, toss with only half the dressing. Toss with the remainder of the dressing right before you plan on serving.)
For another delicious Italian side dish be sure to check out Italian Tomato Onion Salad or the classic favorite Peas and Pancetta. And, you definitely don’t want to miss my take on Pasta e Fagioli soup. Spinach Pasta Salad is another great recipe with mediterranean flavors and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
How to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is super easy to make. Firstly, just boil the pasta and let cool slightly. You can rinse with cold water to cool the pasta quicker if desired.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients. You will need to cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the salami and olives, and cube the mozzarella. If the jarred roasted red bell peppers are big, you will need to dice those as well.
Then, place the rotini pasta in a large bowl and add in the tomatoes, olives, salami, roasted red bell peppers, and mozzarella. Then, prepare the dressing for the salad.
Simple Italian Dressing
The key to making a delicious and simple pasta salad is having a dressing that mimics those antipasto flavors: olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and salt. I also add Dijon mustard to give it a creamier texture.
Place all of the dressing ingredients in a mason jar or old jar like I did here. Then, place on the lid and shake until combined.
Then, toss the pasta with some of the dressing and the remaining ingredients. Also, feel free to add in or substitute whatever flavors you prefer and whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Party foods like this are always a hit and so easy to make. Takes up less space than an antipasto platter but with all of those delicious flavors. For another delicious salad, be sure to try this Shrimp Mango Cucumber Salad!
If you love easy pasta salads, be sure to check out:
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad with Veggies and Corn
Greek Pasta Salad with Whole Wheat Pasta
Asian Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
Ham Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheddar
For another simple and delicious Italian meal, try this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with creamy no-cook sauce!
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 4 ounces salami, diced
- 8 ounces mozzarella, diced
- ¾ cup sliced green olives
- 1 cup roasted bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl add cooled pasta along with salami, mozzarella, olives, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
- Make dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk or shake in a glass jar. Pour over pasta salad and toss. Chill for at least an hour.
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Tara
Such wonderful flavors in this pasta salad! I especially love the addition of the salami and mozzarella. Yum!
Meenakshi Thakur
Simple to put together and so delicious. thanks so much for the recipe.
angelakallison
So happy you love it!
Beth
This is such a refreshing and delicious pasta salad! We made this for our family gathering, such a hit! We’ll be making this again!
heather johnson
So good – i threw in some of that Salad Supreme seasoning too – so good!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This is such a delicious pasta salad. It would definitely be great for barbecues and get togethers!