Antipasto Pasta Salad
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad combining marinated artichokes, salami, olives, and cheeses, dressed in lemon and oregano. Perfect for picnics, parties, or casual gatherings, it offers a Mediterranean flair with bold, savory tastes and a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Genoa salami, sliced thin and cut into 1/4-inch strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Fontina cheese, cut into 1/4-inch strips ⓘ
- 8 oz. egg noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a 4-quart bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, salami, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Toss well to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Add the cooked and cooled noodles to the bowl and toss again.
- Finally, add the Fontina cheese and toss to combine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavors, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. You can substitute the salami with pepperoni or turkey slices for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Fresh herbs like basil can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Antipasto Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh Tomato Salad for a vibrant summer spread. Consider adding crusty bread or garlic knots to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. You can also serve it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Antipasto Pasta Salad contains roughly 467 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1402mg per serving (61% 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 pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What other ingredients can I add to the salad?
Feel free to customize this salad! You can add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some diced fresh mozzarella for added creaminess. Adding fresh greens like spinach can also enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make this Antipasto Pasta Salad gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. There are many options available in stores, including rice or quinoa-based pasta. Be sure to check labels for any hidden gluten in other ingredients as well.
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).