Antipasto Pasta Salad

Summer is not the same without pasta salad! And this version is the perfect side dish to any entrée, whether it’s oven baked chicken breasts or barbecue!

What Is Antipasto?

Typically, antipasto is the first course of a formal Italian meal. Usually, marinated vegetables, cheeses, mushrooms, and meats are arranged on a plate so guests can help themselves.

In this antipasto pasta salad, we use pasta as a base for all the other ingredients so it can be served as a side dish or even as an entrée. Mangia!

As Easy As 1,2,3…

Making this antipasto pasta salad is truly easy.

Pasta: Cook pasta ‘al dente‘ and rinse under cold water. Al dente means ‘to the bite’, just a little undercooked so it holds up after being added to the other ingredients.
Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients or use a bottled Italian dressing.
Combine: Toss together the pasta with remaining ingredients and toss with dressing.

Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to blend.

Can You Make Antipasto Salad in Advance?

Absolutely! This is one of the best side dishes to make in advance and it will stay crisp and flavorful!

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper and it’s as good as new!

Serve It With:

Antipasto Pasta Salad goes with everything. Or it can stand alone because all the food groups are represented here (or top it with grilled chicken if you’d like).

For a summer-evening entrée serve with a nice slice of crusty garlic bread. As a side dish, it pairs perfectly with any kind of meat.

More Perfect Pasta Salads

Italian Pasta Salad – ready in 20 mins!
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad – Reader favorite!
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad – 5 ingredient creamy dressing
Pesto Pasta Salad – favorite for a summer picnic or barbecue
Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad – packed with flavor, color, and texture!
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe – perfect side dish or main course!

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