Transport your taste buds to Italy with this vibrant Antipasto Salad recipe. Packed with a colorful array of grape tomatoes, black and green olives, pepperoncinis, marinated artichokes, savory salami, and your choice of cheese, this salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Drizzled with a zesty olive oil dressing infused with red wine vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning, every bite is a burst of freshness and tanginess. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own, this Antipasto Salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
Salad:
- 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncinis
- 1 cup chopped marinated artichokes
- 4 ounces thin-sliced salami, quartered
- 1 cup preferred cheese (e.g., 1/2 cup crumbled feta and 1/2 cup cubed manchego)
Dressing:
- 1/4 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:
- Take a spacious salad bowl and mix together the halved grape tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced green olives, chopped pepperoncinis, diced marinated artichokes, quartered salami slices, and your choice of cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried Italian seasoning, grated garlic clove, chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Once well combined, transfer the Antipasto Salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to complement your favorite Italian-inspired meal.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and zesty dressing, this Antipasto Salad is a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a starter to a special dinner or as a standalone meal, each bite is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Easy to prepare and bursting with freshness, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Serve it up at your next gathering and watch as it disappears in no time, leaving everyone asking for more. Buon appetito!