Savory Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
Indulge in this Savory Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad, a delightful medley of flavors that combines the best of antipasto with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. This vibrant dish features al dente penne rigate tossed with a rich creamy pesto-mayo dressing that elevates every bite. Bursting with the smoky taste of salami, the freshness of cherry tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, this salad is not only visually appealing but a sure crowd-pleaser. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light dinner, it can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or straight out of the fridge. Get ready to impress your guests with this effortless yet delicious recipe!
N/A
Servings
414
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Rigate
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Thick-Sliced Salami
3/4 lb (cubed)
Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (cubed or crumbled)
Black Olives
8 oz can (sliced and drained)
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (preferably Hellmann's)
Pesto Sauce
1/2 cup (preferably Classico)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne rigate according to the package directions, ensuring it is cooked al dente. Once done, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and pesto sauce until well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3
While the pasta is still warm, pour the mayo-pesto dressing over it and gently toss to coat.
4
Add in the cubed salami, mozzarella cheese, sliced olives, and halved tomatoes. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
For the best flavor experience, allow the salad to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to meld the flavors together before serving, but be mindful not to leave it out too long due to the mayonnaise.
6
This pasta salad can also be enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator; it's just as delicious!
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
27g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad.
What type of pasta is used in this salad?
This recipe uses one pound of penne rigate pasta.
How should the penne rigate be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to package directions until it is al dente.
What meat is included in this antipasto salad?
The salad includes 3/4 pound of thick-sliced salami.
How should the salami be prepared?
The thick-sliced salami should be cubed before being added to the salad.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella cheese can be either cubed or crumbled.
What kind of olives are recommended?
An 8 oz can of black olives is used in this recipe.
How should the black olives be prepared?
The black olives should be sliced and drained before use.
What type of tomatoes are best for this salad?
One pint of cherry or grape tomatoes is recommended.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The cherry or grape tomatoes should be halved.
What are the main components of the dressing?
The dressing is a creamy blend of mayonnaise and pesto sauce.
Is there a specific mayonnaise brand suggested?
The recipe suggests using Hellmann's mayonnaise for the best flavor.
Is there a specific pesto sauce brand recommended?
Classico pesto sauce is the preferred choice for this recipe.
When should the dressing be applied to the pasta?
The mayo-pesto dressing should be poured over the pasta while it is still warm.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
Can this pasta salad be served cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 414 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 29 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving provides 16 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What seasonings are required?
The recipe requires salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for summer events?
Yes, it is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or light dinners.
How would you describe the flavor profile?
It is a savory medley of flavors combining smoky salami, fresh tomatoes, and a rich creamy pesto-mayo dressing.
Is the recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is described as an effortless yet delicious recipe.
What is a food safety tip for this dish?
Be mindful not to leave the salad out too long at room temperature because it contains mayonnaise.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, it can be enjoyed at room temperature, warm, or chilled.
How does the dressing affect the pasta?
The creamy pesto-mayo dressing elevates every bite and coats the al dente penne perfectly.
What is the primary texture of the dish?
The dish features hearty pasta, gooey mozzarella, and a rich, creamy dressing.