Name: Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. dry rotini pasta; 9 oz. hard salami, chopped; 6.5 oz. pepperoni, chopped; 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained & quartered; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup olives, pitted & halved (kalamata, green, or a mixture); ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced; 8 oz. mozzarella pearls; ¼ cup red onion, sliced thin; ⅓ cup fresh basil, sliced thin; ½ cup olive oil; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; Salt & black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

Few dishes capture the vibrant, festive spirit of an Italian gathering quite like Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad. This show-stopping salad weaves together everything you love about a classic antipasto platter—zesty salami and pepperoni, creamy mozzarella pearls, bursts of briny olives, tangy artichokes, and crisp, fresh veggies—tossed with pasta and a garlicky homemade vinaigrette. The result is a bursting-with-flavor, crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as perfect for casual picnics as it is for elegant summer spreads. Every forkful is a celebration of taste and color!

Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad are simple but far from boring—each one is chosen for its bold flavor or irresistible texture. When they come together, you get a salad that’s as colorful as it is delicious, and every mix-in plays an important role.

Rotini pasta: Short, corkscrew-shaped pasta is ideal for trapping all those gorgeous flavors in every bite.
Hard salami: Chopped salami brings a tasty, savory bite that defines the antipasto experience.
Pepperoni: Adds a little spicy depth and classic Italian deli flair.
Canned artichoke hearts: Briny, tender, and quick—just drain and quarter for a burst of flavor.
Cherry tomatoes: Their juiciness and sweetness balance everything else beautifully.
Olives (kalamata, green, or mixed): Choose your favorites—olives add salty punch and color to each forkful.
Pepperoncini: These pickled peppers bring mild heat and a lovable zing.
Mozzarella pearls: Little creamy bites of cheese are the secret to a truly irresistible pasta salad.
Red onion: Thin slices add a sharp, fresh crunch and a beautiful pop of purple.
Fresh basil: Sliced basil offers fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the whole dish.
Olive oil: The backbone of your vinaigrette, bringing richness and depth.
Red wine vinegar: Delivers tang and lifts all the pasta salad flavors.
Garlic: Just a couple of minced cloves add that classic, bold Italian flavor.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs ensures every bite tastes like Italy.
Red pepper flakes: For a subtle background heat—feel free to dial up or down.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust so everything shines!

How to Make Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook your rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once it’s perfectly tender but still with a little bite, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely—this step is key for a great pasta salad texture.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

Grab a small bowl or a lidded jar, and whisk (or shake!) together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a good dose of salt and black pepper. This flavorful dressing is the secret weapon for your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad, so take a quick taste and tweak it to your preferences. Pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

Dice or slice your salad fixings: chop the salami and pepperoni, quarter the artichoke hearts, halve your cherry tomatoes and olives, thinly slice the pepperoncini and red onion, and slice the fresh basil into ribbons. This is the part where your salad gets its signature festive look!

Step 4: Mix & Chill

Once the pasta is completely cool, combine it in a large bowl with all your salad ingredients. Pour your vinaigrette over the top—add as much as you like—and toss everything together until each piece is glossy and coated. You can serve the salad now, but if you have time, chilling it for 30 minutes to 1 hour lets the flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, give the Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad one last toss. Sprinkle with optional shredded parmesan and extra fresh basil for a friendly flourish. Serve in big bowls and enjoy every vibrant bite!

How to Serve Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish can make your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad pop. Consider a shower of shredded parmesan cheese, a few more fresh basil ribbons, or even a drizzle of extra olive oil for gleam. These simple touches dial up the feast for both your eyes and taste buds.

Side Dishes

This salad is substantial enough for a main, but it also pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, garlicky bruschetta, or grilled chicken. For a lighter touch, serve it with a simple arugula salad or a platter of marinated vegetables and fresh fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad on a large platter instead of a bowl for a wow-worthy tablescape. For parties, portion it into small mason jars or cups for easy grab-and-go servings. You can even thread some ingredients onto skewers for a playful antipasto pasta-on-a-stick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the salad tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks or party prep.

Freezing

Unfortunately, pasta salads like this one don’t freeze well—the veggies and cheese can become mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad fresh or from the fridge.

Reheating

Pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating required! If the salad has firmed up a bit in the fridge, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving and toss with an extra splash of olive oil or dressing to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a few hours ahead (or even the night before) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep the dressing separate until just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?

Rotini is a classic choice because its spirals hold the dressing and chunky ingredients well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives. Any bite-sized, sturdy pasta will work comfortably.

Can I swap out ingredients?

Go for it! Antipasto is endlessly adaptable. Try cubes of provolone, roasted red peppers, or capers, or skip the meats for a vegetarian version. Use whatever antipasto favorites you love.

How spicy is this salad?

The salad has just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes and pepperoncini, but you can easily adjust both up or down until you find your happy place. Leave them out if you prefer it mild.

Is Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check your meats and other ingredients for hidden gluten. The rest of the flavors stay wonderfully the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that magical, effortless dish that wows a crowd and only tastes better as it sits, Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad will instantly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Gather your friends, make a big bowl, and let every bite transport you to sunny Italy—buon appetito!

Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad that’s perfect for a quick meal or a side dish for gatherings. This flavorful pasta salad is filled with a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette dressing.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package’s directions, drain, and set aside to cool.
Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar and chill.
Prepare salad ingredients: Cut salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, slice olives, red onion, and basil.
Mix & chill: Combine cooled pasta with prepared ingredients, add dressing, toss until coated. Chill for 30 minutes – 1 hour.
Serve: Top with parmesan and extra basil before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course, Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian