Easy Italian Antipasto Salad

If you’ve ever been to an Italian restaurant, you’re likely very familiar with the legendary Antipasto Salad. If you’re not, then prepare to be introduced to the meat, cheese, and veggie packed salad of your dreams! It’s anything but bland.

Antipasto is what Italians refer to as the traditional first course of an italian meal, and it’s loaded with things like cheese, cured meats, vegetables, etc. It’s pretty much everything you’d find on a charcuterie board but in a salad.

While I enjoy the ingredients of classic Antipasto by themselves or on a board, I especially enjoy when they’re all tossed together in a flavor packed italian antipasto salad recipe! That way, I can get all of the flavors together on my fork for one perfect bite after the next. Balsamic Vinaigrette is what ties it all together in the most delicious way, and I highly recommend making my homemade version if you have 5 minutes to spare! It really compliments this hearty salad in a way store bought just can’t.

It All Starts with Fresh Ingredients

• Salad Greens – Start with spring mix or your favorite salad greens. Sometimes I like to use chopped romaine lettuce with some radicchio, you want a sturdy green that can hold up to the ingredients.
• Vegetables – Since this salad is basically a charcuterie board on a platter of greens, I do like to balance with some fresh vegetables like grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives, black olives, Spanish olives, red onions and pepperoncini peppers. There’s also marinated artichoke hearts and you can add other italian favorites to make it your own.
• Meats – Just like a charcuterie platters, you want a variety of cured meats. I like to use diced salami but you can use Genoa salami, prosciutto, pepperoni or your favorite deli meats from the grocery store.
• Cheese – A variety of cheeses adds creaminess and balance, my favorite cheeses are fresh mozzarella cheese, sharp provolone cheese and parmesan cheese. I have a personal preference towards the small mozzarella balls but you can cut up mozzarella into bite size pieces.
• Salad Dressing – A simple homemade italian dressing is a must and I love to use a homemade balsamic vinaigrette on this salad but you can use your favorite italian style dressing. If you don’t want to use a salad dressing you can drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and an aged balsamic vinegar.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

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How to Make Antipasto Salad

Just like any flavorful salad recipe, Antipasto Salad is wonderfully easy to make!

1. Start with the greens. Arrange the spring mix on a large platter.
2. Assemble the Antipasto ingredients. Scatter the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pepperoni, salami, artichokes, peppers, provolone, olives, onion and pepperoncini on top of the spring mix.
3. Make the dressing. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside.
4. Top it off. Sprinkle the salad with the parmesan cheese and oregano. Season with kosher salt and pepper, if desired.
5. Serve with vinaigrette. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette or serve on the side.

How to Make Antipasto Salad in Advance

Assemble the salad as instructed in the recipe card. Just make sure you don’t toss the salad in balsamic vinaigrette until you’re just about ready to serve it. Over time, the vinaigrette will cause the lettuce to wilt. In separate airtight containers in the fridge, both the vinaigrette and Antipasto Salad will stay fresh for about 2 days. Make sure the container is truly airtight for the freshest results.

What is the difference between Antipasto and Antipasto Salad?

Essentially, the only difference between the two is the addition of balsamic vinaigrette and lettuce to the salad! Antipasto Salad takes all of the meats, cheeses, and vegetables from traditional Antipasto and combines it with salad ingredients – leafy greens and balsamic vinaigrette. That way, it’s transformed from just an appetizer to a meal all on its own!

How To Serve Antipasto Salad

There’s really no wrong way to enjoy this hearty Italian salad. Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or the main course! It’s also great for presenting at parties, potlucks, or any other occasion with friends. It really makes a great lunch for those days at the office when you don’t want to microwave your leftovers! I love eating Antipasto Salad for lunch because it’s light enough to not weigh me down, but filling enough to keep me going until dinner.

We’ve even made antipasto into tasty appetizers like these Antipasto Squares and single serve Antipasto Skewers.

Keep your salads savory and satisfying with these easy recipes!

• Tomato Mozzarella Caprese Salad
• Shirazi Salad
• 7 Layer Salad
• Big Mac Salad