Antipasto Pasta Salad

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.

For another antipasto-inspired dish, don’t miss this Italian Chopped Salad with salami and mozzarella!

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!