If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that brings a burst of freshness and heartiness to your table, this Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Combining tender cheese tortellini with crisp vegetables, savory salami, and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even as a satisfying lunch. The beauty of this salad lies in its colorful ingredients and the way they harmonize, making every bite a celebration of delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe is easier than you might think. Each component plays an essential role — from the refreshing crunch of cucumber to the savory richness of salami — creating a balanced and irresistible dish.
- Italian Dressing (1 cup): The zesty base that binds all the flavors together with bright, tangy notes.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz.): These delightful stuffed pasta pockets add a tender, cheesy heartiness to the salad.
- Cucumber (1, sliced and quartered): Brings a refreshing crunch and a subtle coolness to the mix.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Juicy and sweet, they provide vibrant color and burst of freshness.
- Black olives (6 oz. can, drained and halved): Offer a salty, briny depth that complements the other ingredients.
- Roasted red pepper (1, chopped): Adds a slightly smoky, sweet flavor with a pop of red color.
- Red onion (½ medium, thinly sliced): Adds a subtle sharpness and a pleasant crunch.
- Pepperoncini (2, chopped): For a gentle tangy heat that awakens the palate.
- Mini bocconcini (1 cup): Creamy little mozzarella balls that bring a soft texture and mild taste.
- Deli salami (1 cup, chopped): Provides a smoky, savory punch and satisfying chewiness.
- Fresh basil (2 tbsp julienned + 1 tsp chopped): Herbal brightness and fragrance, lifting the entire salad.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp chopped + 1 tsp chopped): Adds a fresh, earthy note that balances the rich ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp grated): A nutty sprinkle that finishes everything with delicious umami.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dressing
If you’re using homemade Italian dressing, start by making it and chilling it in the fridge. This ensures it’s fresh and perfectly chilled when it’s ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook and Toss the Tortellini
Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, in salted water. Once cooked, rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Drain well and transfer the warm tortellini to a large mixing bowl. Right away, pour half of the Italian dressing over the still-warm pasta and gently toss to coat every piece. This step ensures the tortellini absorbs great flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
In goes the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, drained black olives, roasted red pepper, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, chopped salami, and all of the fresh herbs. These colorful and flavorful bits not only add variety but also create that classic antipasto vibe that makes this salad so irresistible.
Step 4: Final Toss and Chill
Pour the remaining Italian dressing over the whole salad, then toss gently but thoroughly until every bite looks wonderfully coated and inviting. At this point, you can serve it immediately if you’re eager, but for the most harmonious taste, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the tortellini to cool completely and the flavors to fully develop, making every forkful sing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle additional parmesan, basil, and parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. This final touch elevates the salad visually and taste-wise, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy a truly satisfying meal classic.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese, extra fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley bring the salad to life, adding an aromatic charm and a pleasing contrast in textures. They also brighten the presentation, making your salad table-ready and feast-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe shines as a star side dish alongside grilled chicken, crusty garlic bread, or even a simple green salad. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients stand up well next to lighter mains or BBQ favorites, making it a versatile companion at any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or small bell peppers to create edible bowls. Another idea is to layer it in clear glass jars for picnic or lunchbox charm, giving a visually appealing display that’s perfect for sharing and transporting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld over time, but for best texture, consume it sooner to enjoy the crispness of the veggies and the freshness of the herbs.
Freezing
This salad is not the best candidate for freezing, as the fresh vegetables and cheese tortellini can become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off without sacrificing texture and freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cheese tortellini with another pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a wonderful richness, you can use cooked rotini, penne, or farfalle for a different texture. Just be sure to toss the pasta with dressing while warm to maximize flavor absorption.
Is homemade Italian dressing better than store-bought?
Homemade dressing is fresh, customizable, and free of preservatives, giving your salad a vibrant flavor boost. However, good quality store-bought Italian dressing works perfectly well and saves time.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, swap out the cheese tortellini for a plant-based pasta, leave out the bocconcini and parmesan, and substitute salami with marinated artichokes or roasted veggies. Use a vegan Italian dressing to keep the authentic tang.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets the pasta cool and the dressing really soak into every ingredient, ensuring a deliciously cohesive taste.
What is the best way to transport this salad for a picnic or potluck?
Use a large, airtight container and keep the salad chilled until serving time. Transport the dressing separately if you prefer to toss it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it’s simple, colorful, and incredibly flavorful. Whether as a side dish or a light meal, it invites good company and happy conversations around the table. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
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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
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, also known as Antipasto Salad, is a perfect blend of cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory salami, and tangy Italian dressing. Easy to prepare and full of flavors, it makes a refreshing side or a light meal that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled to enhance the taste.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Pasta
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (refrigerated, 1 bag store-bought)
Vegetables & Add-ins
- 1 cucumber (sliced and quartered, seeded if desired)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black olives (6 oz. can, drained and halved)
- 1 roasted red pepper (chopped)
- ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pepperoncini (chopped)
Cheese & Meats
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
Herbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (julienned)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: If using homemade Italian dressing, make the dressing ahead and chill it in the refrigerator to ensure flavors meld well when added to the salad.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water following package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Place the warm tortellini into a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the Italian dressing over it and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Meats: Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red pepper, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, deli salami, and fresh herbs (basil and parsley) to the bowl with the pasta. Mix well to combine.
- Finish with Remaining Dressing: Drizzle the remaining Italian dressing over the combined salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
- Chill for Best Flavor: The salad can be served immediately, but for best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and the tortellini to cool completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally sprinkle additional grated parmesan, chopped basil, and parsley over the salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought Italian dressing with your homemade version for fresher taste.
- Feel free to seed the cucumber if you prefer less moisture in the salad.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and texture, but it can be served right after preparation.
- Use quality deli salami and fresh cheeses for the best antipasto experience.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
