Description

This Antipasto Pasta Salad is bursting with flavors from fresh ingredients like mozzarella, artichokes, and olives. It’s a fantastic choice for quick dinners or outdoor gatherings, combining ease of preparation with a delightful taste.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces short pasta rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
1 cup halved grape or cherry tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine
12 ounces jar marinated artichoke hearts drained and chopped
½ cup mixed olives black, green, kalamata – halved
½ cup roasted red peppers chopped
4 ounces salami diced or sliced into half-moons
4 ounces pepperoni quartered
½ cup sliced pepperoncinis
⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
⅓ cup fresh basil torn or chiffonade
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1½ teaspoons dijon mustard
¾ teaspoons garlic powder
¾ teaspoons dried oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes
¾ teaspoons kosher salt plus more for pasta water
¼ teaspoons black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
In a jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Seal and shake to mix thoroughly, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
While the pasta is still warm, add half of the vinaigrette and toss to coat so the pasta absorbs the dressing. Let it cool to room temperature.
Mix in the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, marinated artichokes, olives, roasted peppers, salami, pepperoni, pepperoncinis, and red onion with the pasta, tossing everything evenly.
Add the remaining vinaigrette, tossing again. Adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Just before serving, top with fresh basil. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For more flavor, allow the salad to refrigerate longer than the recommended time.
Feel free to customize with your favorite antipasto ingredients, like different meats or cheeses.
Drizzle more olive oil on top before serving if the pasta appears dry.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 25g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg