Antipasto Spread
A vibrant, savory antipasto spread featuring artichokes, mushrooms, olives, and fresh vegetables, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful appetizer platter for guests.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and diced ⓘ
- 4 oz. jar sliced mushrooms, drained and diced ⓘ
- 3 oz. jar pimiento-stuffed olives, drained and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. dry Italian salad dressing mix ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- leaf lettuce ⓘ
- eggplant or cabbage head ⓘ
- bagel chips or Melba toast ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine artichoke hearts, sliced mushrooms, pimiento-stuffed olives, ripe olives, celery, and green pepper in a bowl; set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine vinegar, olive oil, sugar, Italian salad dressing mix, pepper, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and immediately pour over the vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Cover and chill for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, let the antipasto spread sit overnight before serving. You can substitute the olives with your favorite variety or use a mix of green and black olives. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. This spread also works well as a topping for grilled meats in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this antipasto spread on a bed of leaf lettuce or alongside sliced eggplant or cabbage for a refreshing presentation. It pairs beautifully with bagel chips or Melba toast. Consider serving it as part of a larger spread with a chilled pasta salad or as a side to a hearty main dish. This versatile dish is perfect for entertaining or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even tastier. To serve leftovers, you can enjoy them cold or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Antipasto Spread contains roughly 205 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% 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 spread vegan?
Yes, this antipasto spread can easily be made vegan by ensuring that all ingredients, particularly the olives and dressings, are free from animal products. Use a vegan-friendly sugar and substitute any non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
How long can I keep the antipasto spread in the fridge?
The antipasto spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it's in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The flavors usually improve after a day, so it's a great dish to prepare in advance.
What can I serve with the antipasto spread?
This antipasto spread is fantastic on its own but pairs well with a variety of items. Consider serving it with sliced baguette, crackers, or as part of a charcuterie board. It also complements salads, like a truly Italian pasta salad, making it a versatile addition to your meal.
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).