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Easy Zesty Antipasto Salad Recipe for the Perfect Italian Night

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A quick and flavorful antipasto salad combining tangy olives, spicy pepperoni, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing, perfect for an Italian-themed dinner or a simple, satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes, then halve them. Dice cucumbers and chop marinated artichoke hearts. Slice pepperoncini peppers and red onion thinly. Cut pepperoni or salami into bite-sized pieces. Tear fresh basil leaves gently by hand.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables, meats, and mozzarella. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  4. Optional: Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or vinegar if needed before serving.

Notes

Avoid tossing the salad too aggressively to prevent mozzarella from breaking down. If the salad seems dry, add a splash more olive oil or vinegar. Use ripe, fresh produce for best flavor. Dressing should lightly coat ingredients, not drown them. For vegetarian version, omit pepperoni and add extra artichokes or roasted vegetables. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: antipasto salad, Italian salad, easy salad recipe, zesty dressing, quick salad, pepperoni salad, mozzarella salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/easy-zesty-antipasto-salad-recipe-for-the-perfect-italian-night/