Antipasto Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings together a delightful mix of Italian-inspired ingredients. Perfect as a starter or a light main course, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. The combination of juicy tomatoes, tangy olives, savory salami, and rich cheeses, all tossed in a zesty dressing, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious Antipasto Salad.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncinis
- 1 cup chopped marinated artichokes
- 4 ounces thinly sliced salami, quartered
- 1 cup preferred cheese (I use ½ cup each of crumbled feta and cubed manchego)
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Begin by halving the grape tomatoes and slicing both the black and green olives. Slice the pepperoncinis and chop the marinated artichokes. Quarter the thinly sliced salami and prepare your cheeses, crumbling the feta and cubing the manchego.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, sliced black and green olives, sliced pepperoncinis, chopped marinated artichokes, quartered salami, and your preferred cheeses. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian seasoning, and grated garlic. Add the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, flavorful combination of ingredients.
Conclusion
Antipasto Salad is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of fresh and savory ingredients in one dish. The blend of tomatoes, olives, pepperoncinis, artichokes, salami, and cheeses creates a medley of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing. The zesty dressing ties everything together perfectly, making this salad a standout choice for any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a picnic, this Antipasto Salad is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy the taste of Italy with every bite!