What kind of pasta is best for pasta salad?

Short pasta shapes with ridges or grooves, like rotini, penne, farfalle (bowties), or fusilli, are excellent choices for pasta salad as they hold the dressing well.

What is typically in an antipasto salad?

Antipasto salad typically includes cured meats (like salami, prosciutto, or pepperoni), cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella), olives, marinated vegetables (artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers), and sometimes pickled peppers.

How long does antipasto pasta salad last?

Antipasto pasta salad typically lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Can I make antipasto pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, antipasto pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, allowing it to sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator.

What kind of dressing is best for pasta salad?

A vinaigrette-based dressing is generally best for pasta salad, as it won't become too heavy or soggy. Italian vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette are all great options.

Should pasta salad be served cold or at room temperature?

Pasta salad is generally best served cold. Refrigerate for at least a couple of hours before serving.

Antipasto Pasta Salad: Your New Favorite Make-Ahead Party Dish 2026

Name: Antipasto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle); 1/2 pound Genoa salami, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearls; 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered; 1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced; 1/2 cup pitted black olives (like Kalamata); 1/2 cup pitted green olives (like Castelvetrano); 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish; For the Italian Dressing:; 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

Antipasto Pasta Salad

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This vibrant Italian-inspired pasta salad is a crowd-pleasing make-ahead dish. Packed with savory salami, mozzarella, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying meal.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 30min (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: boiling, mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
1/2 pound Genoa salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, cubed or pearls
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
1/2 cup pitted black olives (like Kalamata)
1/2 cup pitted green olives (like Castelvetrano)
1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
For the Italian Dressing:
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
While pasta cooks, whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes, roasted peppers, all olives, pepperoncini, and red onion.
Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Before serving, toss with remaining dressing and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

For best flavor, do not skip the chilling time. The salad stores well for up to 4 days. To lighten it up, use chickpea pasta, low-sodium meats, or reduce the oil in the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 1200
Fat: 25
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18
Cholesterol: 45

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/antipasto-pasta-salad/