Antipasto Pasta Salad

August 21, 2017
Chock full of antipasto favorites, this no-mayo Antipasto Pasta Salad is one eye-catching, crowd-pleasing summer side.

Serving Bowl of Antipasto Pasta Salad Image

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.

Chock full of our favorite antipasto fixings ... like salami, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, olives, tomatoes, and artichokes ...it's one beautifully eye-catching salad.

As soon as I make it, it makes me want to just grab a fork and dive in.

Large Bowl of Antipasto Pasta Salad Image

With just a little chopping, draining of jarred antipasto favorites, and a quick whisk of the dressing, this is one pasta salad that comes together pretty easily.

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:

Thick Salami Slices to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad Image

There's about four or five slices in that 1/3 pound, and then I chop those big thick slices up into cubes.

Along with the hard salami, I cut some turkey pepperoni (or regular pepperoni) into quarters and a block of mozzarella cheese into cubes.

Chopped Pepperoni and Mozzarella for Antipasto Pasta Salad Image

Then I toss these together with corkscrew pasta, other antipasto fixings like drained artichoke hearts and olives.

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.

How to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad Image

It's a combination that makes for one super yummy, totally gorgeous, colorfully delicious, eye-catchin' and crowd pleasin' summer cookout side. -- Tasty with or without the usual cookout burgers and dogs.

Check out these other super tasty pasta salad recipes:
Antipasto Pasta Salad with Pepperoni Salami Artichokes Tomatoes Olives Image
Thank you for stopping by The Kitchen is My Playground. We'd love to have you back soon!


pasta salad recipe, antipasto pasta salad recipe, no mayonnaise pasta salad, no mayonnaise macaroni salad
Salads
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

  1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water, according to package directions. Drain. Rinse under cold water, and drain thoroughly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
TRACEY'S NOTES
  1. This recipe makes a big salad - cut the recipe in 1/2 if you don't want to make a lot.
  2. You can substitute bottled Italian salad dressing if you'd like.
Created using The Recipes Generator

14 comments

  1. Hi Tracey,
    I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for popping by to visit me, Diane! I'll come over and link today. :-)

      Delete
  2. This sounds so good. Perfect for a summer lunch or dinner on these very hot days.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Wishes for tasty dishes,
    Linda
    Tumbleweed Contessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!

      Delete
  3. Oh my goodness! This is my favorite food and this recipe looks like it is perfect! I am pinning to make this weekend!

    Cheers,
    Julia
    It's Always Ruetten

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the beauties of this salad is you can change it up with different antipasto favorites. Enjoy it, Julia!

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  4. Hi 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!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your pasta salad sounds wonderful! I'm pinning your recipe so I can make it for a picnic this summer! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, this looks so good! I saw it on manic monday.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes, I totally want to grab a fork and dig right in! Wish I had a big bowl of this for lunch today!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I 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!

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  9. My 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!
    Christine

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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

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