There is something truly irresistible about the vibrant, hearty flavors of an Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe. This dish brings together a fantastic medley of textures and tastes—from tender cheese tortellini to crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and savory deli salami—all coated in a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a refreshing main or a crowd-pleasing side, this salad offers a colorful plate that’s as satisfying to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic antipasto experience with a pasta twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making your Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe taste authentic and so delightful. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the softness of the tortellini, the tangy kick from pepperoncini, or the herbal freshness of basil and parsley, the balance creates a salad that’s bursting with flavor and color.
- Italian Dressing (1 cup): Choose a store-bought or homemade version packed with herbs and a perfect tangy bite.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz.): Opt for refrigerated cheese tortellini for tender, flavorful pasta that holds up beautifully.
- Cucumber (1, sliced and quartered): Adds refreshing crunch and a mellow coolness to every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Juicy and sweet, they brighten up the salad with vibrant color and natural acidity.
- Black olives (1 can, drained and halved): Bring a salty depth that complements the other savory ingredients perfectly.
- Roasted red pepper (1, chopped): Sweet and smoky, this adds a lovely complexity and vivid tones.
- Red onion (½ medium, thinly sliced): Offers a slight sharpness and crunch that cut through the richness.
- Pepperoncini (2, chopped): For that subtle heat and piquant flavor that livens up the salad.
- Mini bocconcini (1 cup): Soft, creamy mozzarella balls that melt in your mouth.
- Deli salami (1 cup, chopped): Adds savory, meaty bites that bring depth and hearty satisfaction.
- Fresh basil (2 tbsp julienned + 1 tsp chopped): A fragrant herb that lifts the whole dish with its sweet, peppery notes.
- Fresh parsley (1 tbsp chopped + 1 tsp chopped): Provides bright, clean herbal accents and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese (2 tbsp grated): Sprinkled on top for that signature nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Italian Dressing
If you’re going the homemade route, blend your herbs, vinegar, oil, and seasoning and set it aside in the fridge. This step is crucial because a well-balanced Italian dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully, making sure every bite of the salad sings.
Step 2: Cook and Toss the Tortellini
Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water following the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly. Place the warm tortellini in a large bowl and add half of the Italian dressing immediately to soak in the flavors while still warm. Toss gently so every piece gets coated without breaking.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Ingredients
To the chilled tortellini, add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, roasted red peppers, red onion, pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, and deli salami. These ingredients add the much-needed crunch, juiciness, creaminess, and savory balance that makes this salad a feast of textures and tastes.
Step 4: Final Toss and Chill
Pour the remaining dressing over the tossed ingredients and mix everything until fully combined. While this salad can be enjoyed right away, chilling it for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld together, and the tortellini cools perfectly for a refreshing, harmonious dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and parsley on top to bring that final flourish of taste and color that will impress every guest at your table.
How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a dash of cracked black pepper right before serving really wakes up the dish. These small touches elevate the salad and add layers of aroma and flavor that invite everyone to dig in enthusiastically.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a light antipasto platter, or grilled chicken. Its robust flavor and hearty ingredients make it a versatile companion to almost any meal while also standing strong as a fulfilling main course for warm days or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or gorgeous glass bowls to showcase the colors. Alternatively, individual mason jars layered with the salad make for charming picnic portions that look just as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop over time, but storing it properly ensures the fresh vegetables stay crisp and the tortellini doesn’t get mushy.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended due to the fresh vegetables and cheese, you can freeze cooked tortellini separately if you want to prepare components ahead of time. Fresh ingredients and dressing are always best added fresh to maintain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can gently warm the tortellini before mixing with the fresh ingredients and dressing for a more comforting version, but avoid reheating the entire salad once combined to preserve freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a deliciously rich and stuffed element, other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle also work wonderfully and soak up the Italian dressing beautifully.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the deli salami or substituting it with a plant-based alternative. The mix of cheese, vegetables, and dressing still makes it satisfyingly flavorful.
How long do I need to chill the salad before serving?
For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the dressing to soak in and the flavors to meld. However, if you’re in a hurry, serving it shortly after mixing is fine too.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare the tortellini and dressing ahead of time, and chop the vegetables the day before to save time. Assemble everything just a few hours before serving to keep freshness at its best.
What type of Italian dressing works best?
A classic vinaigrette with a balance of vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs complements this salad perfectly. Whether homemade or quality store-bought, aim for something with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe is like inviting a burst of Italy straight to your table with easy-to-find ingredients and a fuss-free process. Every forkful offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that feel both classic and fresh. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy sharing it with friends and family as much as I do!
Print
Italian Pasta Salad (Antipasto Salad) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this antipasto salad combines savory salami, creamy bocconcini, and a medley of garden-fresh ingredients for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Dressing (or 1 cup Homemade Italian Dressing)
Salad
- 20 oz. cheese tortellini (bag refrigerated, 1 bag store-bought)
- 1 cucumber (sliced and quartered, seeded if desired)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can black olives (6 oz. can, drained and halved)
- 1 roasted red pepper (chopped)
- ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pepperoncini (chopped)
- 1 cup mini bocconcini
- 1 cup deli salami (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (julienned)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped) (for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley (chopped) (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: If using homemade Italian dressing, prepare it first and set aside in the fridge to chill while you make the salad.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil salted water and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked, rinse with cool water to stop cooking, drain well, and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Toss Tortellini with Dressing: Pour half of the Italian dressing over the warm tortellini and toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, drained black olives, chopped roasted red pepper, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pepperoncini, mini bocconcini, deli salami, julienned basil, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan cheese into the bowl with the dressed tortellini.
- Combine the Salad: Pour the remaining dressing over the entire salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: The salad can be served immediately; however, for best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and for the tortellini to cool completely.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Just before serving, garnish with additional grated parmesan, fresh chopped basil, and fresh chopped parsley to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a homemade Italian dressing, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar or honey.
- Seeding the cucumber is optional but can reduce excess water in the salad.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to intensify flavors.
- Feel free to substitute salami with other deli meats or make it vegetarian by omitting the salami and adding extra vegetables.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature if preferred.
