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If you’re searching for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing salad that bursts with bold flavors and colorful ingredients, look no further than this Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender cheese tortellini, crisp vegetables, savory meats, and tangy Italian dressing all coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or a simple family dinner, this dish feels like a celebration in a bowl and makes every bite something to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making a truly irresistible Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe. Each component adds a unique texture, flavor, or splash of color that makes this salad so unforgettable and fresh.
- Italian Dressing (1 cup): This ties everything together with a zesty, herb-infused punch—homemade or store-bought works beautifully.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz.): Soft, pillowy pockets of cheese that create a rich and satisfying base for the salad.
- Cucumber (1, sliced and quartered): Brings a refreshing crunch and brightens up the dish.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Sweet and juicy, they add a lovely pop of red and a burst of flavor.
- Black olives (1 can, 6 oz., drained and halved): Adds salty complexity and a slightly briny contrast.
- Roasted red pepper (1, chopped): Brings a smoky sweetness and vibrant red hue to the salad.
- Red onion (½ medium, thinly sliced): Adds both a mild bite and a splash of purple color.
- Pepperoncini (2, chopped): Provides a perfectly mild heat and tangy kick.
- Mini bocconcini (1 cup): Soft mozzarella balls that melt in your mouth and add creamy goodness.
- Deli salami (1 cup, chopped): Brings savory depth and balances the freshness with a touch of richness.
- Fresh basil (2 tbsp julienned + 1 tsp chopped): Offers fragrant herbal notes that brighten each bite.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp chopped + 1 tsp chopped): Adds fresh earthiness and a burst of green color.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp grated): Sprinkles a nutty, salty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Italian Dressing
If you’re using homemade Italian dressing, now’s the time to whip it up and chill it in the fridge. This dressing is the heart of the salad, infusing every ingredient with bright, tangy, herbaceous notes.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. When tender and ready, drain the pasta and run it under cool water to stop the cooking process. Toss the slightly warm tortellini with half of your Italian dressing to coat every nook and cranny, making sure those cheesy pillows soak up all the great flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Into the bowl with the dressed tortellini, add sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, and chopped deli salami. Pour the rest of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. This ensures each bite delivers that perfect balance of taste and texture.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
For the best flavor development and chilled comfort, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Just before presenting, sprinkle the extra parmesan, fresh basil, and parsley on top to add a lovely finishing touch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding herbs like fresh basil and parsley as garnishes not only enhances the plate visually but also freshens each bite with delicate fragrances. A final dusting of grated parmesan cheese gives a subtle salty crunch that perfectly complements the tender tortellini and savory salami.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe plays well with many sides—consider serving it alongside crusty garlic bread, marinated grilled vegetables, or even a classic Caprese salad. These options enhance the meal’s Italian flair and provide varied textures and flavors on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the salad in a large colorful glass bowl or even hollowed-out baguettes for a novel presentation. Layer the ingredients in clear jars for picnic-perfect portions, or create individual servings in small mason jars for a charming and portable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen with time, but to preserve the best texture, it’s a good idea to toss it fresh before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the fresh vegetables and pasta don’t freeze well and may get soggy or lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This is a cold pasta salad meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this salad its rich, cheesy bite, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even bow-tie pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente and rinse with cold water before mixing with the dressing to maintain the perfect texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Prepare it the night before to allow the flavors to meld, and keep it refrigerated until ready to eat. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I make the Italian dressing from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade Italian dressing is quick and flavorful, made from a blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and seasoning. Making it yourself allows you to adjust the flavors exactly how you like and use fresh ingredients for an authentic taste.
What are some good substitutions for the meats and cheeses?
If salami or bocconcini aren’t available, try substituting with pepperoni, prosciutto, mozzarella pearls, or even grilled chicken for a different protein twist. You can mix and match to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Of course! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, snap peas, or even corn for extra color, crunch, and flavor variety. The key is to keep the balance so no ingredient overpowers the others.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for its perfect mix of textures, beautiful colors, and irresistible flavors. It’s just the right combo of hearty and fresh that works any time of year. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own—it’s the kind of dish that turns everyday meals into little celebrations. Enjoy!
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Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Pasta Salad, also known as Antipasto Salad, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines cheese tortellini with fresh vegetables, deli meats, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or a party side, it’s best served chilled to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
Salad
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (1 bag, refrigerated)
- 1 cucumber, sliced and quartered, seeded if desired
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can black olives (6 oz.), drained and halved
- 1 roasted red pepper, chopped
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 pepperoncini, chopped
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, julienned
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: If making homemade Italian dressing, prepare it according to your recipe and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Combine pasta and dressing: Place the warm tortellini in a large bowl, pour half of the Italian dressing over it, and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, chopped salami, fresh basil, parsley, and grated parmesan to the bowl with pasta. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad.
- Toss and chill: Toss the salad thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure even coating with dressing. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tortellini to fully cool.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional grated parmesan and chopped fresh basil and parsley. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Italian Pasta Salad.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Italian dressing or use your favorite homemade recipe.
- Make sure to rinse the tortellini with cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to cool it down for the salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or extra salami slices.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste; some prefer a lighter coating while others enjoy a more dressed salad.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
