Mediterranean Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together an assortment of delicious ingredients for a delightful meal or side. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner, it's a refreshing blend of textures and tastes, including robust marinated artichokes, sweet roasted red peppers, creamy mozzarella, and savory salami. Toss it all together in a zesty red wine vinaigrette for a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family, making it a staple recipe for all occasions.
4-6 servings
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Wine Vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Rotini Pasta
1 lb (cooked, rinsed, and drained)
Marinated Artichokes
12 ounces (drained and chopped)
Roasted Red Peppers
12 ounces (drained and cut into thin strips)
Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 lb (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Salami
1/2 lb (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Kalamata Olives
1/4 lb (pitted and chopped)
Fresh Parsley Leaves
1 1/2 cups (loosely packed and chopped)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil until well blended.
2
Add the cooked, rinsed, and drained rotini pasta to the bowl, ensuring it is evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
3
Mix in the marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, mozzarella cheese cubes, salami pieces, kalamata olives, and chopped parsley.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly distributed, taking care not to break the cheese cubes.
5
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your personal preference.
6
For the best flavor, let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Antipasto Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring rotini pasta, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and salami tossed in a red wine vinaigrette.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is a simple vinaigrette made from 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe includes salami, but it can be easily adapted for vegetarians by omitting the meat, as noted in the vegetarian option tag.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For the best flavor, the salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of rotini pasta.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
The 1/2 lb of mozzarella cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/4 lb of pitted and chopped kalamata olives.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 7.5g of protein.
What type of artichokes should I buy?
You should use 12 ounces of marinated artichokes, which should be drained and chopped.
How do I prepare the roasted red peppers?
The 12 ounces of roasted red peppers should be drained and cut into thin strips.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 15g of fat per serving.
Is fresh parsley necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of loosely packed and chopped fresh parsley leaves.
How should the salami be cut?
The 1/2 lb of salami should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify that the pasta should be cooked, rinsed, and drained before mixing.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to whisk together the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
How do I season the salad?
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal preference.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients.
Is extra virgin olive oil required?
Yes, extra virgin olive oil is specified for its robust flavor in the vinaigrette.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad offers a refreshing blend of textures, from creamy mozzarella to savory salami and tender pasta.
Can I make this dish quickly?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and follows simple mixing instructions.
How do I ensure the cheese cubes don't break?
The instructions recommend gently tossing the ingredients together to avoid breaking the cheese cubes.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
It is served chilled for the best flavor profile.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
Are the olives pitted?
Yes, the kalamata olives should be pitted and chopped.
Can I adjust the ingredient proportions?
Yes, the recipe allows for seasoning to taste and is flexible for various gatherings.
Why should the salad sit for 30 minutes?
Chilling for 30 minutes allows the flavors of the vinaigrette and various antipasto ingredients to meld properly.