Antipasto Italian Pasta Salad with Cheese and Olives
A flavorful Italian pasta salad featuring cheese, olives, and salami, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 colander
- 1 large pot
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1 cup sliced salami
- 1 cup mixed olives
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the salami, and chop the basil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, sliced salami, mixed olives, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, red onion, and basil.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Garnish with additional basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving and Storage
- Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or main course. Pair with crusty bread or a selection of Italian sides.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
Pro Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance for optimal flavor development.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve: Serve chilled with crusty Italian bread.
Storage & Freshness: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
Make-Ahead Tips: Allows the flavors to meld overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve: Serve chilled with crusty Italian bread.
Storage & Freshness: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
Make-Ahead Tips: Allows the flavors to meld overnight.