Antipasto Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this Antipasto Pasta Salad! The vibrant combination of fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers adds a satisfying crunch, while the salami, pepperoni, and blue cheese bring richness and depth. The dressing, made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes, ties everything together with a tangy kick. It’s a flavorful, colorful, and versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main dish for any gathering.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad Ingredients

• ½ cucumber, diced
• 6 ounces grape tomatoes, chopped
• 6 ounces pepperoncini peppers, stems removed, chopped
• ¼ cup purple onion, chopped
• ½ pound salami, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ pound pepperoni, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 ounces blue cheese crumbles
• 1 pound capanelle pasta, cooked according to package directions

Dressing Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons pepperoncini pepper juice (from jar)
• 8 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, divided
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons mayo
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flake

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the capanelle pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the pepperoncini juice, 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, mayo, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, purple onion, salami, pepperoni, and blue cheese.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavor, if needed.
5. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve: Serve chilled as a side or main dish, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. The prep time is about 20 minutes, and the chilling time is at least 1 hour.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the salami and pepperoni for a vegetarian version of this antipasto salad. You can replace the meat with additional veggies like olives or artichoke hearts.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different cheese profile.
• Dressing Adjustment: For a creamier dressing, add more mayo or use Greek yogurt to make it lighter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad tends to get even more flavorful the longer it sits in the fridge.
• Reheating: This dish is best served cold and doesn’t need to be reheated. However, if you prefer it warm, simply let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Yes! You can substitute the capanelle pasta with other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne.

2. Can I make this pasta salad in advance?

Absolutely! This pasta salad is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will develop and meld together over time.

3. How can I make this pasta salad spicier?

If you like a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the dressing or incorporate some sliced jalapeños or hot pepper rings.

4. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

While homemade dressing adds the best flavor, you can use a store-bought Italian or vinaigrette dressing as a substitute in a pinch.

5. Is this pasta salad gluten-free?

No, this pasta salad contains regular pasta. However, you can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the salad.

6. What can I serve this pasta salad with?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own.

7. Can I omit the mayo from the dressing?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter dressing, you can omit the mayo and use extra olive oil or a creamy yogurt-based dressing.

8. How do I make this pasta salad vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply remove the salami and pepperoni. You can add extra veggies, such as olives or artichoke hearts, for more flavor.

9. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, omit the blue cheese and replace it with a dairy-free cheese or simply leave it out.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change when thawed.

Conclusion

This Antipasto Pasta Salad is a perfect addition to any gathering, combining fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a tangy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a potluck, or just making a tasty dish for a weeknight dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of savory meats, creamy cheese, and crunchy veggies. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit!

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