Rotini Antipasto Salad
A vibrant, hearty pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and savory salami, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb.) pkg. rotini ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cubed Provolone or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. salami, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped mixed fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, green bell peppers, cauliflower)
- 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley ⓘ
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 (26 oz.) jar Classic DiNapoli tomato and basil or DiSorrento onion and garlic pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 10 pitted ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare rotini according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rotini, cubed cheese, salami strips, drained chickpeas, drained artichoke hearts, chopped vegetables, parsley, and sliced green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together pasta sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add sliced olives and toss gently to distribute.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of feta cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace salami with marinated tofu or additional vegetables. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the flavor profile. Experiment with different types of pasta sauces to create unique variations, such as using a pesto for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as Rack Of Lamb or Sausage Stuffed Zucchini. For a complete meal, add some crusty bread or a light Mediterranean-inspired dessert. Garnish with extra parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. For best results, enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad. If you need to reheat, do so gently in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotini Antipasto Salad contains roughly 895 calories, with 11g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% 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 prepare it as directed, but wait to add the olives until right before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming soggy. Chilling in the fridge allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini would work well. Just ensure that all vegetables are chopped evenly for consistent texture and flavor integration throughout the dish.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! This rotini antipasto salad is perfect for potlucks as it's easy to transport, serves a crowd, and tastes great cold. Just bring along a large serving spoon and let guests help themselves. It also holds up well, making it a convenient choice for gatherings.
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).