Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
A vibrant medley of olives, peppers, and cheese tossed with al dente pasta in a tangy vinaigrette.
Total: 25 minPrep: 15 minCook: 10 min8 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (125+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
- 1/2 cup provolone cheese, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Steps
- 1 Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2 In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, olives, pepperoncini peppers, mozzarella, provolone, and red onion.
- 3 Whisk together Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and oregano in a small bowl.
- 4 Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- 5 Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6 Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- 7 Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Variations
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- Use feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Substitutions
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute balsamic vinaigrette for Italian dressing.
Pairings
- Grilled vegetables
- Caprese skewers
- Italian bread
Nutrition
Calories:
300 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
32g carbohydrates
Protein:
10g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Customize with your favorite antipasto ingredients!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good toss before serving again.
Freezing: Does not freeze well due to the texture of the pasta and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crusty baguette and a side of marinated artichokes.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes even better after marinating in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.