Mediterranean Antipasto Delight Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Antipasto Delight Salad! This refreshing side dish features a delightful mix of peppery baby arugula, crunchy celery, and juicy plum tomatoes, all beautifully tossed together. Enhanced by the earthy richness of sun-dried tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives, and quartered artichoke hearts, it brings a fantastic balance of tastes and textures. For an added touch of indulgence, the layers of savory provolone cheese and robust soppressata salami create a feast for the senses. Feel free to customize by substituting arugula with mixed baby lettuce for a milder taste or by omitting the salami and adding mini mozzarella balls for a delightful vegetarian twist. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a zesty accompaniment to any meal, this salad is bound to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bottled Italian vinaigrette dressing
1/4 cup (none)
sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
2 tablespoons (drained and finely chopped)
baby arugula leaves
4 cups (none)
celery ribs
2 (cut into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 1 cup))
plum tomatoes
2 (cut into wedges)
pitted black olives
1/3 cup (such as Kalamata)
artichoke hearts
1/2 cup (drained and quartered)
deli-sliced provolone cheese
6 slices (about 3 ounces, folded into quarters)
deli-sliced salami
6 slices (such as soppressata, folded into quarters (3 ounces))
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the bottled Italian vinaigrette dressing and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes until well combined. Set aside.
2
On a large serving platter, create a bed of the fresh baby arugula leaves, spreading them evenly.
3
On one side of the arugula, arrange the celery slices and tomato wedges in a colorful row. On the opposite side, artfully place the pitted Kalamata olives and quartered artichoke hearts.
4
Fold each slice of provolone cheese and salami into quarters and arrange them in the center of the salad, creating a beautiful focal point.
5
Finally, drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire salad, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated. Serve fresh and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Antipasto Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing side dish featuring a mix of baby arugula, celery, plum tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, provolone, and salami.
What is the base green for this salad?
Fresh baby arugula leaves are used as the bed for the salad to provide a peppery flavor.
How do I prepare the dressing for this recipe?
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of bottled Italian vinaigrette and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes until well combined.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the salami and you can add mini mozzarella balls instead for a delightful vegetarian twist.
What kind of salami is suggested?
Deli-sliced soppressata salami is recommended for a robust flavor in this salad.
How should I prepare the provolone cheese?
Fold 6 slices of deli-sliced provolone cheese (about 3 ounces) into quarters and arrange them in the center of the salad.
What type of olives are best for this recipe?
Pitted black olives, specifically Kalamata olives, are used for their rich, earthy flavor.
How should the celery be cut?
The celery ribs should be cut into 1/4-inch thick slices, providing approximately 1 cup of celery.
What is the preparation for the artichoke hearts?
You should use 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts that have been drained and quartered.
What is a good substitute for arugula in this salad?
You can substitute the arugula with mixed baby lettuce if you prefer a milder taste.
How should the plum tomatoes be sliced?
The 2 plum tomatoes should be cut into wedges before being added to the platter.
How do I arrange the salad on a serving platter?
Create a bed of arugula, then arrange celery and tomatoes on one side, with olives and artichokes on the opposite side.
When should I add the dressing?
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire salad as the final step before serving.
What makes this an antipasto salad?
It incorporates traditional antipasto elements like cured meat, provolone cheese, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 9 ingredients, including the dressing components.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
The recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, which are drained and finely chopped for the dressing.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
The salad offers a balance of peppery, crunchy, juicy, and savory Mediterranean flavors.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that primarily involves simple assembly and light whisking.
Is this salad suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer gatherings or as a zesty accompaniment to any meal.
How do I fold the meat and cheese slices?
Each slice of provolone and salami should be folded into quarters to create a beautiful focal point in the center of the salad.
What kind of bottled dressing is needed?
Use a standard 1/4 cup of bottled Italian vinaigrette dressing as the base.
How much arugula is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cups of fresh baby arugula leaves.
Is this salad a side dish or an appetizer?
It can be served as both a refreshing side dish and a zesty appetizer.
Where should the cheese and salami be placed?
They should be arranged in the center of the salad to serve as a visual focal point.
Should the olives be pitted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for pitted Kalamata or black olives.
How much provolone and salami is used?
The recipe uses 6 slices of each, which is approximately 3 ounces of cheese and 3 ounces of salami.
Does the recipe include instructions for mozzarella?
The description suggests adding mini mozzarella balls as a vegetarian alternative to salami.
Is the dressing homemade from scratch?
The dressing is semi-homemade, combining bottled Italian vinaigrette with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include salad, antipasto, mediterranean, healthy, side dish, and appetizer.
How do I ensure the ingredients are well coated?
Drizzle the dressing over the entire salad after all components are arranged on the platter.