Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes   |   Cook Time: 10 minutes   |   Total Time: 30 minutes   |   Servings: 6

Introduction

Italian antipasto pasta salad recipe with salami, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and olives is a colorful and flavor-packed dish inspired by a traditional Italian antipasto platter. Tender rotini pasta is tossed with savory salami, creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and thinly sliced red onion, all coated in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and meal prep, this easy pasta salad is loaded with fresh ingredients and delicious Mediterranean flavors. Best of all, it tastes even better after chilling, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini pasta (340 g)
• 6 oz salami, sliced or chopped (170 g)
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls (150 g)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (225 g)
• 1 medium cucumber, diced (200 g)
• 3/4 cup black or Kalamata olives (100 g)
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (40 g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (10 g)

For the Italian Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (80 ml)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (45 ml)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (2 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the salami, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, slice the olives, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl combine the cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and fresh herbs.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently until every ingredient is evenly coated.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Toss once more before serving and garnish with extra basil or parsley if desired.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q2: What other ingredients can I add?
Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, and shredded Parmesan cheese are delicious additions.

Q3: Can this italian antipasto pasta salad recipe with salami, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and olives be served as a main dish?
Absolutely. The salami and mozzarella make it hearty enough for a light lunch or dinner.

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