Antipasto Salad(From The Simply Italian Recipe Book)
A vibrant Italian-inspired pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and cured meats, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 c. Ronzini rotini or rotelle, uncooked ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Progresso olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Progresso red or white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 or 19 oz.) can Progresso chickpeas, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped green pepper
- 2 c. chopped fresh tomato ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 3/4 c. cubed Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 lb. thinly sliced hard salami or pepperoni, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 1/2 c. sliced pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can anchovy fillets, drained and chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Rinse with cold water to cool quickly; drain well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, dressing, chickpeas, green pepper, tomato, onion, cheese, salami or pepperoni, olives, and anchovy fillets if using.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting whole wheat rotini for the regular pasta. You can also add more vegetables like cucumbers or artichokes for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a different cheese, try mozzarella or feta instead of Provolone. To enhance the dressing, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. This salad is versatile and works well with various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Antipasto Salad is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side for grilled meats or seafood recipes like Italian Fish Casserole. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, serve alongside a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, you can serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back the flavors without cooking the pasta further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Antipasto Salad(From The Simply Italian Recipe Book) contains roughly 229 calories, with 8g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 882mg per serving (38% 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to mix the dressing in well and let it marinate in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop beautifully, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use instead of chickpeas?
If you don’t have chickpeas on hand, white beans or kidney beans make excellent substitutes. You can also use diced cooked chicken for added protein. Just ensure any alternative ingredients complement the overall flavor profile.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this salad gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions.
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).