There’s something magical about the way Italians begin a meal with bold colors, contrasting textures, and flavors that dance together. Growing up in a bustling Italian kitchen, my Nonna would set out an antipasto platter that made our eyes widen before the first course even arrived. That’s where my love for Antipasto Salad was born.
But here’s the twist: instead of serving it as a prelude, I’ve turned that traditional antipasto board into a full, hearty Antipasto Salad Recipe one that American families can whip up on a weeknight or serve at a summer potluck.
This dish celebrates all the best parts of an antipasto platter: marinated vegetables, cured meats, rich cheeses, and zesty dressing tossed together in one refreshing bowl.
Table of Contents
Why Antipasto Salad Works So Well
This salad blends salty, briny, fresh, and rich in one bite. The variety of textures from crisp greens to creamy cheese and chewy cured meats keeps every forkful interesting. And it’s adaptable: you can make it elegant for dinner guests or throw it together quickly for a backyard BBQ.
It’s a nod to tradition with the convenience American families love.
Ingredients
A great antipasto salad starts with quality ingredients. Selecting authentic Italian cured meats and cheeses enhances the depth of flavor and gives your dish a truly Mediterranean feel. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula or baby spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
- 1/2 cup black or Kalamata olives, pitted
For the Meats & Cheese:
- 1/2 cup salami, sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup prosciutto, torn
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed provolone
- Optional: 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and chop your lettuce and greens. Drain your jarred vegetables well to prevent sogginess. Slice the cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and roasted peppers.
A homemade vinaigrette adds the perfect balance of tanginess and richness. This classic Italian vinaigrette blends olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a dressing that ties the salad together beautifully. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl or shake them in a sealed jar.
Step 2: Build the Base
In a large mixing bowl or platter, layer the chopped romaine and mixed greens. Scatter the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, roasted red peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts over the greens.
Step 3: Add the Meats & Cheese
Arrange the salami, prosciutto, and cheese over the vegetables. For a classic presentation, group ingredients or layer them for that rustic look.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine all the dressing ingredients. Whisk until emulsified or shake vigorously if using a jar.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, adding more dressing if needed. Top with shaved Parmesan if you like extra richness.
Tips & Variations
- Make It a Meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans or croutons and load up on meats and veggies.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace meats with grilled eggplant or marinated mushrooms.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
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Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain freshness and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a citrusy Italian soda.
- Pair with warm crusty bread or garlic knots for a satisfying meal.
- Great as a light lunch or a starter to a heartier Italian dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Antipasto Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container and toss everything together just before serving for the best texture.
2. What does “antipasto” mean?
“Antipasto” is Italian for “before the meal.” Traditionally, it’s a selection of small bites like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables served before the main course.
3. Is Antipasto Salad keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip any high-carb additions like croutons or beans, and you’ve got a delicious, low-carb option packed with healthy fats and proteins.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meats with grilled vegetables, marinated tofu, or chickpeas. The bold dressing and cheeses will still give it that satisfying flavor.
5. What’s the best cheese for Antipasto Salad?
Fresh mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan are traditional favorites. You can also add feta or fontina for a twist!
6. What wine pairs well with this salad?
A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. For red lovers, a light Chianti complements the cured meats and cheeses perfectly.
Antipasto Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup salami sliced into strips
- 1 cup mozzarella balls drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted
- 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chopped romaine, salami, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for flavors to meld.
Notes
Conclusion
This Antipasto Salad Recipe brings the spirit of an Italian appetizer board right into your salad bowl fresh, colorful, and bursting with bold Mediterranean flavor. It’s everything you love about antipasto, reimagined for convenience and flavor-packed satisfaction.
Whether you’re entertaining friends on a warm summer night, preparing a family-style dinner, or looking for a healthy lunch with a little indulgence, this salad checks all the boxes. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable and ready in under 30 minutes. Salute to that!
Try it once, and you’ll be adding this to your regular recipe rotation.
