If you love bold Italian flavors and easy-to-prepare meals, this Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is for you! Combining tender pasta, savory meats, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, this dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, meal prep, or a refreshing side dish for any occasion.

With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, this pasta salad brings together classic antipasto ingredients in one delicious, hearty dish. It’s low-effort but high-impact, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or summer gatherings. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead recipe since the flavors only get better as they meld in the fridge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Simple steps with minimal prep work.
✔ Full of Italian Flavors – A perfect mix of meats, cheese, and veggies.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on your preference.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a quick lunch.

Ingredients for Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

For the Pasta Salad:

8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
½ cup salami, cubed
½ cup pepperoni, sliced
½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
¼ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup green olives, sliced
¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

¼ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Large Pot – To cook the pasta.
✔ Mixing Bowl – For combining all the salad ingredients.
✔ Whisk or Fork – To blend the dressing smoothly.
✔ Cutting Board & Knife – For prepping vegetables and meats.
✔ Strainer – To drain and rinse pasta.

How to Make Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil Water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook Pasta – Add 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
Drain & Rinse – Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Whisk Together – In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried basil.
Season to Taste – Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Mix Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, black olives, green olives, roasted red peppers, and red onion.
Add Dressing – Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
Stir in Basil – Add chopped fresh basil for an extra layer of fresh flavor.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate – For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with extra basil and serve cold or at room temperature.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigeration:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
The flavors get even better after sitting for a few hours!

Freezing:

Not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and cheese.

Reheating:

This salad is best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔹 Vegetarian Option – Omit salami and pepperoni and add chickpeas or marinated tofu.
🔹 Low-Carb Version – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
🔹 Extra Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
🔹 Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese or omit the mozzarella altogether.
🔹 Different Dressings – Try balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing.

What to Serve with Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

🍗 Grilled Meats – Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or Italian sausage.
🥖 Garlic Bread – A crispy side to soak up any extra dressing.
🥗 More Antipasto – Serve alongside an Italian cheese board with prosciutto and olives.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A light Pinot Grigio or Chianti enhances the flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle all work well.

What can I substitute for salami and pepperoni?

You can use prosciutto, turkey, grilled chicken, or even tofu for a different twist.

Why do I need to rinse the pasta?

Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes! A good-quality Italian dressing works well as a time-saving alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a zesty homemade dressing and a mix of fresh ingredients, it’s a meal that’s as flavorful as it is simple.

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Buon appetito!

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad – A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Classic