Romantic Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
This vibrant Italian antipasto pasta salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. Combining the hearty goodness of penne pasta with a variety of savory meats, creamy cheeses, and colorful veggies, every bite bursts with freshness. Perfect for sharing a cozy dinner with a loved one, serve it alongside a freshly baked French baguette and a bottle of fine Zinfandel for a truly romantic evening. Whether you're planning a special date night or just want to indulge in some Italian comfort food, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne
4 ounces (cooked and drained)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
salami
2 ounces (sliced thin and quartered)
pepperoni
2 ounces (sliced thin and quartered)
mushrooms
2 ounces (sliced thin)
red onion
1/2 (sliced and cut in half)
olives
2 ounces
provolone cheese
4 ounces (sliced thin and quartered)
plum tomatoes
4 (cut in halves)
fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (sliced thick and halved)
oregano
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
lettuce
1/2 head (torn)
Instructions
1
Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined.
3
Add the cooled penne to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing.
4
Gently fold in the salami, pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, red onion, olives, provolone cheese, plum tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil. Season the mixture with oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
5
For serving, you can choose either to toss the salad directly into a large serving bowl or plate it decoratively. If plating, arrange torn lettuce onto individual plates and top with the pasta mixture.
6
To create beautiful rosebud shapes, fold the slices of salami and provolone cheese into rosebud shapes and place them artistically on top of the pasta. Place a few olives into the center of each rosebud.
7
Finally, sprinkle the assembled salad with additional oregano and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
13.3g
Fat
22g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Romantic Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant medley of penne pasta, savory meats like salami and pepperoni, creamy cheeses, and fresh vegetables designed for a romantic dinner.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 4 ounces of penne pasta.
How should the penne pasta be cooked?
The penne should be cooked according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drained and cooled.
What are the main ingredients in the salad dressing?
The dressing is a simple whisked mixture of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
What meats are included in this antipasto salad?
This recipe includes 2 ounces of thinly sliced and quartered salami and 2 ounces of thinly sliced and quartered pepperoni.
Which cheeses are featured in this recipe?
The salad uses 4 ounces of provolone cheese and 4 ounces of thick-sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
What vegetables are added to the salad?
The vegetables include sliced mushrooms, red onion, olives, plum tomatoes, and torn lettuce.
How do you prepare the red onion for this dish?
The red onion should be sliced and then cut in half.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
There are approximately 225 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of the Romantic Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad?
Each serving contains about 7.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 13.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 0.8 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 plum tomatoes, cut into halves.
How is the lettuce used in the presentation?
Torn lettuce is placed on individual plates as a base, with the pasta mixture served on top.
How do you create the rosebud garnish?
Fold slices of salami and provolone cheese into rosebud shapes and place an olive in the center of each.
What fresh herbs are used in the salad?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil leaves.
What dried spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of oregano, plus salt and black pepper to taste.
What wine is recommended to pair with this meal?
A bottle of fine Zinfandel is suggested for a truly romantic evening.
What side dish pairs well with this pasta salad?
A freshly baked French baguette is the recommended accompaniment.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 16 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step in assembling the salad after cooking the pasta?
The first step is whisking together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar in a large mixing bowl.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, once assembled and garnished, it should be served immediately.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
You should use 2 ounces of mushrooms, sliced thin.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy pasta dish that is simple to prepare.
What makes this dish romantic?
The decorative rosebud garnishes and the vibrant medley of flavors make it perfect for a special date night.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include antipasto, pasta salad, Italian, romantic dinner, and salad with meat and cheese.
How do you ensure the pasta is evenly coated with dressing?
Add the cooled penne to the bowl with the oil and vinegar mixture and toss thoroughly.
How should the fresh mozzarella be prepared?
The fresh mozzarella cheese should be sliced thick and then halved.