Name: Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491442H57M42S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 1/2 oz Pepperoni; 9 oz Hard salami; 1 cup Artichoke hearts, canned; 1/3 cup Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced; 2 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 Garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup Pepperoncini, sliced; 1/4 cup Red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Olives; 8 oz Rotini pasta, dry; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup Olive oil; 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar; 8 oz Mozzarella pearls

Why You’ll Love Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe

This pasta salad is a perfect mix of textures and flavors—salty meats, creamy cheese, crunchy veggies, and a bold vinaigrette. It’s easy to make, requires no special equipment, and is great served cold, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. With minimal cooking involved, it’s also a summer favorite that can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients

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

6 1/2 oz pepperoni
9 oz hard salami
1 cup canned artichoke hearts
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup olives
8 oz dry rotini pasta
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
8 oz mozzarella pearls

Directions

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with pepperoni, hard salami, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, garlic, pepperoncini, red onion, and olives.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat everything evenly.
Gently fold in the fresh basil and mozzarella pearls.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Swap the rotini for bowtie, penne, or fusilli pasta.
Use marinated mozzarella balls for extra flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or cucumber for more crunch.
Substitute the pepperoni and salami with grilled chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meats entirely and adding more veggies or beans.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
No reheating needed—this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
If it dries out slightly in the fridge, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving to freshen it up.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this pasta salad?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually get better as it sits.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie will work well.

Is this pasta salad spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes and pepperoncini, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the meats and add more veggies or a plant-based protein.

What kind of olives should I use?

You can use black olives, kalamata, or a mix of both depending on your taste.

Do I have to rinse the pasta?

Yes, rinsing cools the pasta quickly and helps prevent it from sticking together.

Can I use bottled Italian dressing?

Yes, in a pinch, bottled dressing works, but homemade gives a fresher taste.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended, as the textures of the vegetables and pasta can become mushy.

What can I serve with this pasta salad?

It pairs well with grilled meats, garlic bread, or as part of a picnic spread.

Conclusion

Easy Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a simple yet impressive dish that’s loaded with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just want a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is a go-to favorite. Versatile, satisfying, and full of color, it’s a salad that everyone will enjoy.