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Antipasto Pasta Salad

This Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish inspired by classic Italian antipasto platters. Rotini pasta is tossed with tomatoes, olives, salami, bocconcini, artichokes, and fresh herbs, then coated in a zesty Italian dressing. It’s refreshing yet hearty, colorful, and ideal for potlucks, picnics, BBQs, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 6 oz jar marinated artichoke hearts quartered and drained (reserve juices*)
  • 1/3 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup olives green, black, or mixed
  • 4 oz sliced salami halved
  • 8 oz bocconcini
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Dressing (choose one)

Option 1 – Bottled Dressing

  • 1 cup bottled Italian dressing

Option 2 – Homemade Dressing

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup olive oil or some reserved oil from artichoke hearts
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the rotini pasta al dente according to package directions.
  • Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water and drain thoroughly.
  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Place pasta, tomatoes, artichokes, red onion, olives, salami, bocconcini, basil, and parsley in a large bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad.
  • Toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
  • Toss again before serving.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap rotini for bowtie, penne, or fusilli.
  • Replace salami with pepperoni or prosciutto.
  • Use mozzarella pearls instead of bocconcini.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Best served after at least 1 hour of chilling.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Add more dressing before serving if pasta absorbs too much.

Serving Variations

  • Add pepperoncini or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
  • Add chickpeas for a protein boost.
  • Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for richness.

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta—it will become mushy in the salad.
  • Don’t skip chilling—the flavor improves significantly.
  • Don’t forget to drain ingredients well to avoid watery dressing.