Name: Italian Antipasto Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar; 1 Teaspoon lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 2 Cloves Minced Garlic; Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste); Lettuce – Any variety you like; 5 ounces salami (cut into bite-size pieces); 5 ounces mini pepperoni; 1 cup black olives; 12 ounces Marinated artichoke hearts; 1 cup Grape tomatoes (chopped); 8 ounces Mozzarella Cubes; 8 ounces Pepper Jack Cubes; ½ - 1 cup Banana Peppers; Parsley (optional)

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Looking for a refreshing, flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion? This Easy Antipasto Salad is just what you need! Whether you’re trying to eat healthily or need a break from carbs, this salad has got you covered. It’s packed with a variety of delicious ingredients, from Italian meats to fresh veggies, and the best part? It only takes about 15 minutes to make!

Antipasto salad in a bowl. — Low-Carb Antipasto Salad

What is Antipasto Salad?

The word “antipasto ” comes from the Latin roots “anti” (before) and “pastus” (meal). Traditionally, an antipasto platter is the first course of an Italian meal, loaded with Italian meats, various cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies. This colorful antipasto salad takes those classic Italian starter items and transforms them into a sensational salad that’s perfect as a side dish or even a main course.

How to Make Antipasto Salad

First things first – let’s whip up the homemade Italian dressing. The easiest way to make this dressing is by whisking together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper for that perfect Italian flavor.

Dressing Ingredients

⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)

Simply whisk these ingredients in a small bowl, and you’ve got a homemade vinaigrette that’s perfect for this salad.

Whisking ingredients to make salad dressing.

Salad Ingredients

Romaine hearts or any crisp greens you prefer
5 ounces Genoa salami, cut into bite-size pieces
5 ounces mini pepperoni
1 cup olives (green olives, black olives, or Kalamata olives)
12 ounces marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup cherry tomatoes or large tomatoes, chopped
8 ounces mozzarella balls or chunks of provolone
8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, cut into cubes
½ – 1 cup banana peppers
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Start with a base of romaine hearts or other crisp salad greens in a large bowl. Chop it into bite-size pieces for easy eating.
Arrange the Genoa salami, mini pepperoni, olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, banana peppers, and cheese cubes on top of the greens.
Drizzle with the homemade dressing and toss gently to combine.

For a spunkier bite, try adding red onions, red peppers, or chunks of parmesan cheese. You can also swap out the mozzarella for balls of mozzarella or chunks of feta cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.

Pouring salad dressing on to an antipasto salad.

Tips & Variations

Substitutions: You can mix and match your favorite antipasto ingredients. Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, or add bell pepper for extra crunch.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad can get soggy if left too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Variations: For a heartier meal, consider adding chunks of grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also serve this salad alongside Delallo breadsticks or as a side dish with Italian bread for a complete meal.
Picnic-Ready: This salad is a great option for picnics! Just keep the dressing in a mason jar and pour it over the salad right before serving.

Love salads? Be sure to check out these other delicious salad recipes:

Italian Antipasto Salad

This Easy Antipasto Salad combines Italian meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies into a delicious salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a sensational side dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

4.72 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: Servings

Calories: 514kcal

Author: Lynda – Southern Kissed

Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

⅓ cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1 Teaspoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2 Cloves Minced Garlic
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Salad

Lettuce – Any variety you like
5 ounces salami cut into bite-size pieces
5 ounces mini pepperoni
1 cup black olives
12 ounces Marinated artichoke hearts
1 cup Grape tomatoes chopped
8 ounces Mozzarella Cubes
8 ounces Pepper Jack Cubes
½ – 1 cup Banana Peppers
Parsley optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together all the ingredients.
2. Assemble the salad by adding the lettuce on the bottom. Add meats, cheese, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, banana peppers, olives, and parsley together. Combine and drizzle with dressing.

Notes

You can easily swap out any of the ingredients to fit your preferences. Mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and Colby cheese are all ideas to consider.
For meal-prepping, chop and dice all the ingredients and keep them separate until you are ready to serve. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance. You can make as many batches as you want.
This is a very large salad and makes great leftovers. Once the dressing is added it will wilt the lettuce faster as it sits in the fridge.

Nutrition

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This recipe was originally posted May 19, 2020.

If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, this easy antipasto salad is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. Perfect for a quick dinner, a side dish, or easy lunches during the week – this salad is truly versatile.