Anita'S Antipasto
An vibrant antipasto platter featuring a variety of meats, cheeses, seafood, and marinated vegetables, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 large head iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 lb. salami, sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 lb. boiled ham, sliced thin
- 1 lb. Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1 can tuna fish in water ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen shrimp ⓘ
- 6 hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 2 jars marinated mushrooms (keep oil) ⓘ
- 1 jar marinated eggplant (keep oil) ⓘ
- 1 can anchovies (if desired)
- 2 jars marinated artichoke hearts (keep oil)
- 1 Bermuda onion, sliced
- 1 can che-che beans
- 2 jars roasted red peppers ⓘ
- 1 jar Tuscan green peppers
- 1 can large black olives or 1 lb. Italian salad olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Line the edge of a large platter with salami slices.
- Cover the entire platter with iceberg lettuce.
- Roll each slice of boiled ham and arrange among the lettuce.
- Cut Provolone cheese into strips and place partially under the lettuce leaves, resembling rolled ham.
- Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and arrange on the lettuce.
- Place chunks of canned tuna fish on top of the lettuce.
- Add marinated mushrooms, eggplant, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers on top.
- If desired, include anchovies and green or black olives on the platter.
- Slice Bermuda onion and arrange on the platter.
- Place che-che beans in small mounds around the platter.
- Top the entire arrangement with cooked shrimp on the very top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like basil or parsley among the ingredients. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken for the salami and ham. You can also replace Provolone cheese with mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative. Marinated vegetables can be homemade for a personalized touch. Experiment with quantities based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This antipasto platter is perfect for gatherings, served as an appetizer or light meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a side of Italian Strawberry Water Ice for a delightful contrast. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It's an impressive centerpiece that invites sharing and conversation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the ingredients, separate the seafood and any marinated components. When reheating, consider gently warming the shrimp in a skillet to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the antipasto cold for a refreshing taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anita'S Antipasto contains roughly 624 calories, with 43g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and protein (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1615mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this antipasto ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the antipasto platter a few hours in advance. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, add the shrimp just before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for the tuna fish?
If you're not a fan of tuna, consider using canned chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Both will add protein and texture without compromising the overall flavor of the dish. Alternatively, you can skip it altogether and focus on the other delicious ingredients.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that any packaged ingredients, like marinated vegetables and olives, are certified gluten-free. Additionally, serve it with gluten-free crackers or bread instead of regular bread to keep it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).