Rotini Antipasto Salad(Makes 10 To 12 Servings)
A colorful, flavorful pasta salad combining rotini, cheeses, vegetables, meats, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for gatherings or casual meals with vibrant Mediterranean influences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rotini pasta ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cubed Provolone or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. salami, cut into thin strips
- 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, green peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 (26 oz.) jar Classico Di Napoli tomato and basil or Di Sorrento onion and garlic pasta sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Dijon style mustard ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 10 pitted ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed cheese, salami strips, drained chickpeas, drained artichoke hearts, chopped mixed vegetables, chopped parsley, and sliced green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pasta sauce, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and chill the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the sliced olives and toss gently to distribute.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives. If you're looking for a lighter option, swap the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free varieties. You can also substitute the cheese with feta for a tangy twist or use cooked chicken for added protein. This salad is versatile and can accommodate various fresh vegetables, so use what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Rotini Antipasto Salad as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic, or pair it with grilled meats like the Spiced Lamb Chops for a complete meal. It also makes a great lunch option on its own. Consider garnishing with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If the salad appears dry after storage, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rotini Antipasto Salad(Makes 10 To 12 Servings) contains roughly 927 calories, with 14g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and add the olives shortly before serving to maintain their texture. Allowing it to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld beautifully.
What vegetables work best in this salad?
You can use a variety of vegetables in this salad. Great options include bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. Feel free to include seasonal vegetables, and if you prefer a crunch, consider adding radishes or snap peas for extra texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the salami and substitute with extra cheese or throw in some marinated tofu or tempeh for protein. You can also increase the amount of chickpeas to keep it hearty and satisfying.
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).