Picture a sun-drenched Italian piazza, where the air is thick with laughter and the clinking of wine glasses—this antipasto pasta salad captures that spirit perfectly. It’s an eclectic mix of vibrant flavors, like an unexpected playlist that somehow just works. Once, at a summer picnic, I watched as even the pickiest eater couldn’t resist a second helping—it’s just that good, if I may say so myself!
Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and let it cool. While waiting, prepare your vegetables, meats, and cheeses by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Add a packet of Italian dressing mix to the bowl and toss everything together until well-coated.
- If preferred, enhance the flavor by adding a tablespoon of oregano and a teaspoon of parsley to the mixture. Stir until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Prepare a dressing by mixing apple cider vinegar with a low oil alternative as per the instructions on your dressing mix packet. Sweeten it slightly with two packets of sweetener for every packet of dressing mix used.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated. For best results, let it marinate overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, crush Italian croutons in a plastic bag and sprinkle them over the salad. Add any additional ingredients you like, such as diced ham or extra cheese, and give the salad a final stir to combine.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of 12 oz Tricolor Rotini Pasta
- 16 oz of dressing (adjust as needed)
- 1 packet of Good Season’s Italian dressing mix (dry)
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- Apple Cider Vinegar (for dressing)
- 2 packets of sweetener (per packet of dressing mix)
- Regular Havarti cheese
- Havarti cheese with dill
- Parmesan cheese
- 2 handfuls of mozzarella cheese
- Italian croutons (crushed)
- Diced ham
- Banana peppers
- Artichokes
- Green onions
- Garbanzo beans
- Minced garlic
- Pesto (as a dressing substitute)
- Mozzarella cheese (substitute)
- Feta cheese (substitute)
- Brianna’s brand balsamic dressing (alternative dressing)
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Antipasto Pasta Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare most of the salad a day ahead. Mix the vegetables, noodles, meats, and cheeses with the dry dressing mix and let it marinate overnight. Add the dressing the next day for optimal flavor.
- What are some recommended ingredients to enhance the salad’s flavor?
- Adding banana peppers, artichokes, green onions, garbanzo beans, and minced garlic can enhance the flavors. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or Havarti.
- Can I use a different type of dressing for the salad?
- Absolutely. While the original recipe uses a dry Italian dressing mix, you can substitute it with pesto or a high-quality balsamic dressing for a different taste.
- What type of pasta is best for this salad?
- Tricolor Rotini Pasta is commonly used, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just ensure you adjust the dressing quantity if you’re using a different pasta type to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I make a low-oil version of the dressing?
- Yes, you can create a low-oil version by following the instructions on the Good Season’s Italian dressing packet, substituting apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar, and using sweetener instead of sugar.
Tips
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a more flavorful pasta salad, especially if preparing it for a party.
- Consider preparing the salad a day in advance by mixing the vegetables, noodles, meats, and cheeses with a dry Italian dressing mix and letting it marinate overnight to enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Havarti, Parmesan, and mozzarella to add variety and richness to the salad.
- Add crunchy elements like crushed Italian croutons just before serving for an extra texture contrast.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
- Pasta Pot with Strainer – For cooking and draining the pasta.
- Salad Spinner – Useful if you are washing and drying fresh vegetables.
- Ziploc or Reusable Food Storage Bags – For crushing croutons and storing leftovers.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables and meats.
- Cutting Board – For preparing all the ingredients.
