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To make this Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad, you will need: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and thinly sliced - 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced into rings - 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped - 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved - 1/2 cup salami, cut into thin strips - 1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or you can use fresh lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste To prepare your pasta salad, gather these items: - Large pot for boiling water - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Small bowl for whisking the dressing - Colander for draining pasta - Whisk for mixing the dressing You can easily swap out some ingredients for your taste: - Use fusilli instead of rotini if you prefer a different shape. - Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers for crunch. - If you don’t like olives, use capers for a briny flavor. - For a vegetarian option, skip the salami and add more veggies. - You can use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist. - If you want a lighter dressing, use less olive oil and more vinegar. This recipe allows for creativity. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy! For the full recipe, you can refer to the instructions I shared earlier. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Next, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to cool while you work on the next steps. In a big mixing bowl, it’s time to bring the flavors together. Start by adding 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Then, toss in 1/2 cup of sliced black olives. Next, add 1/2 cup of pepperoncini rings for a bit of heat. Follow that with 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped marinated artichoke hearts. Then, add 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls for creaminess. Next, include 1/2 cup of cut salami and 1/4 cup of very thinly sliced red onion. Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Toss everything gently to mix well. Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. If you like a zesty twist, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend for a burst of flavor. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This dressing will tie all the ingredients together beautifully. Now, you are ready to assemble your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To make this salad your own, start with the base. You can use different pasta shapes. Farfalle or penne work well. Each shape adds a new bite. Next, adjust the dressing. If you like it tangy, add more vinegar or lemon juice. For a richer taste, increase the olive oil. Don’t forget about herbs! Try adding fresh parsley or oregano for extra flavor. These will brighten the dish. Taste as you mix to find the perfect balance. This pasta salad shines at any gathering. Serve it in a large bowl for sharing. A sprinkle of basil adds color and flavor. For a twist, pair it with crusty bread or garlic knots. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein. Consider serving it with a light Italian red wine. This will enhance the meal and impress your guests. Make this salad a day in advance. It tastes better after the flavors blend. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Before serving, check the seasoning again. Sometimes, it needs a little more salt or pepper. If you are short on time, use pre-cut veggies and store-bought dressing. This cuts down on prep time. Cooking pasta can be quick too. While it cooks, chop your ingredients for the salad. This way, everything comes together fast. You’ll enjoy a fresh, tasty meal in no time. For the full recipe, check the Vibrant Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad section! {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free pasta salad, it's easy to swap out ingredients. You can replace salami with extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted mushrooms. For a protein boost, add chickpeas or cannellini beans. Both options bring great flavor and texture. You could also try marinated tofu for a unique twist. For those who need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer rotini that cooks just as well. You can also use spiralized veggies, like zucchini or carrots, for a fresh take. This keeps the dish light and healthy. Just remember to check your other ingredients, like olives and cheese, to ensure they are gluten-free too. Cheese and meat can change the whole vibe of this salad. You can use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella. These cheeses add tanginess and creaminess. For meat options, try prosciutto or even grilled chicken. They add a rich flavor profile. Mixing different types of cheese and meats lets you create a blend that suits your taste. Experiment with what you love! For the full recipe, check out the complete details. To keep your Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air and moisture from getting in. Glass containers work great, but plastic ones are fine too. If you use a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for the best flavor and texture. When stored properly, this pasta salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as it sits. However, if you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. Always trust your senses! You can enjoy this pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to avoid drying it out. Stir it often and serve right away. Just remember, reheating too much can change the texture of the ingredients. Yes, you can make this pasta salad ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge. The flavors blend nicely when you chill it. I recommend making it a few hours before serving. Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, just stir it gently to mix everything again. If you don’t like olives, you can use capers or diced pickles instead. Both add a nice salty flavor. You can also skip them altogether if you prefer. The pasta salad will still taste great without them. Just make sure to add a little more seasoning to keep the flavor strong. Absolutely! This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Just divide it into small containers for easy lunches or snacks. You can grab a container and enjoy it on the go. It’s healthy, tasty, and saves you time during busy weeks. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This post covered all you need for a great pasta salad. We talked about key ingredients and tools. You learned how to cook, mix, and dress the salad. I shared tips to adjust flavors and serve well. You also saw options for different diets and size. Lastly, we went over storage tips and common questions. Remember, making this salad can be fun and easy! Try your favorite choices to make it yours. Enjoy the process and the tasty results!

Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad that will elevate your next gathering! This easy recipe combines rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a delicious dressing for a colorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a mix of mozzarella, salami, and tangy artichokes, every bite bursts with taste. Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this delightful pasta salad that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup black olives, pitted and thinly sliced

1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced into rings

1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped

1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved

1/2 cup salami, cut into thin strips

1/4 cup red onion, very thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or substitute with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a tangy twist)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.

    Combine Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, pepperoncini rings, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, halved mozzarella balls, cut salami, and very thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

      Add Pasta: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the mixed ingredients, creating a vibrant medley.

        Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

            Fold in Fresh Basil: Just before serving, carefully fold in the chopped fresh basil, which adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish.

              Taste and Adjust: Sample the pasta salad and if needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, shallow serving bowl for a buffet-style appearance. For an added touch of elegance, garnish with extra basil leaves or a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning on top to enhance color and aroma. Enjoy!