Chock full of antipasto favorites, this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one eye-catching, crowd-pleasing summer side.
It's almost officially the end of summer, folks. I know many kids have already headed back to school, and for us, the first day of school is next week. But even if summer is winding down, there's still time to get in another cookout or two. Or four ... or more.
And I'm sure when you think "cookout" you're thinking of hot dogs ... or hamburgers ... or a nice juicy steak, right?
But when I think of summer (or end-of-summer) cookouts, I think pasta salad. Yes, pasta salad. I'm all about those sides! And this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one of my cookout absolute favorites.
Chock full of antipasto favorites, this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one eye-catching, crowd-pleasing summer side.
One of the many things I love about this colorful and flavorful antipasto pasta salad is that it's dressed with a homemade vinaigrette that's super tasty. And since there's no mayo involved, it's a fabulous option to take along on picnics or to serve at an outdoor event.
As soon as I make it, it makes me want to just grab a fork and dive in.
I use hard salami from the grocery store deli in this salad, but you could use any variety you like.
From the deli, I order 1/3 of a pound of hard salami and ask them to slice it really thick for me ... like this:
Finally, I season the salad with an easy homemade vinaigrette dressing. The vinaigrette uses red wine vinegar and olive oil as its base, and is chock full of dried oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning for fabulous flavor.
Check out these other super tasty pasta salad recipes:
- Amish Macaroni Salad
- Ham & Cheese Macaroni Salad
- Loaded Baked Potato Macaroni Salad
- Ma's Picnic Pasta Salad
- Summer Vegetable Tortellini Salad
- Pineapple Shrimp Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Pasta Salad with Grapes
- Sun Dried Tomato, Artichoke, & Fresh Basil Pasta Salad
- Pesto Tortellini Salad with Asparagus
- More salad recipes
Thank you for stopping by The Kitchen is My Playground. We'd love to have you back soon!
Yield: about 10-12 servings
Antipasto Pasta Salad
Chock full of antipasto favorites, this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one eye-catching, crowd-pleasing summer side.
prep time: 20 Mcook time: 20 Mtotal time: 40 M
ingredients:
Salad:
- 3 c. uncooked rotini (corkscrew) or penne pasta
- 1 (6 oz.) package sliced turkey or regular pepperoni, cut into quarters
- 1/3 lb. thick-sliced hard salami, cubed
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 c. green olives, halved
- 1/2 of a medium red or Vidalia onion, finely chopped
- 1 red, yellow, or orange sweet bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (1 lb.) block mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 c. marinated artichoke hearts
Dressing:
- 1/3 c. red wine vinegar
- 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 T. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
instructions:
How to cook Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water, according to package directions. Drain. Rinse under cold water, and drain thoroughly.
- Combine the quartered pepperoni slices, cubed salami, cubed mozzarella cheese, halved tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, halved olives, and artichoke hearts in a large bowl. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning and whisk to combine. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
TRACEY'S NOTES
- This recipe makes a big salad - cut the recipe in 1/2 if you don't want to make a lot.
- You can substitute bottled Italian salad dressing if you'd like.
You might also like these other delicious salad recipes:
Amish Macaroni Salad
Loaded Baked Potato Macaroni Salad
Make-Ahead Layered Salad
Pesto Tortellini Salad with Asparagus
Loaded Baked Potato Macaroni Salad
Make-Ahead Layered Salad
Hi Tracey,
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen your blog in awhile. Please post this great salad of yours tomorrow at my party. My recipe will be a antipasto platter so your salad will go with it really well.
Thanks for popping by to visit me, Diane! I'll come over and link today. :-)
DeleteThis sounds so good. Perfect for a summer lunch or dinner on these very hot days.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Tumbleweed Contessa
We eat this as our main course for dinner, A LOT, in the summer, Linda. I love that I can make a huge batch and eat it for several days!
DeleteOh my goodness! This is my favorite food and this recipe looks like it is perfect! I am pinning to make this weekend!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Julia
It's Always Ruetten
One of the beauties of this salad is you can change it up with different antipasto favorites. Enjoy it, Julia!
DeleteHi Tracey! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe! I was searching for one that uses a homemade dressing and this is the type dressing I was looking for! Have a great summer off! Blessings from Bama!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad, Felecia. The vinaigrette dressing is so good!
DeleteYour pasta salad sounds wonderful! I'm pinning your recipe so I can make it for a picnic this summer! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, this looks so good! I saw it on manic monday.
ReplyDeleteJulie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Yes, I totally want to grab a fork and dig right in! Wish I had a big bowl of this for lunch today!
ReplyDeleteI love all of your recipe's Tracey! I shared this one in particular on Cutie Pies facebook fan page! I just love pasta salad. Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing dishes!
ReplyDeleteMy family loves this pasta salad. I've been making it for years. The only thing I add in addition to yours is a mashed up clove of garlic to the dressing!
ReplyDeleteChristine
One of my favorite salad! This looks so good I'm ready to make one!! Pinned - Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Hope to see you there tomorrow!
ReplyDelete