Antipasto Salad

This antipasto salad is loaded with slices of meat, chunks of cheese, olives, artichoke hearts, and a delicious homemade dressing! With no cooking required, it is about as easy as it gets! Feel free to customize all of the toppings, too!

Simple Antipasto Salad Recipe

I already have an amazing antipasto platter that's perfect for serving at parties, so why not turn it into a salad, too? With tons of meat, cheese, and veggies, it is always a hit with my guests!

Jump to:

• Simple Antipasto Salad Recipe
• 🥘 Antipasto Salad Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions
• 🔪 How To Make Antipasto Salad
• 🍽️ What To Serve With Antipasto Salad
• 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
• 🥄 Make Ahead Options
• 🥡 Storing
• ❓ What Kind Of Dressing Is Best For Antipasto Salad?
• ❓ Can I Make Antipasto Salad Ahead Of Time?
• ❓ What Is The Difference Between Antipasto And Antipasto Salad?
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

🥘 Antipasto Salad Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions

Antipasto Salad

• Romaine Lettuce - 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce to act as the base of the salad.
• Olives - ½ cup each of green and black olives, halved.
• Pickled Roasted Peppers - ½ cup of pickled roasted peppers, chopped.
• Pepperoni - 8 ounces of pepperoni, sliced and quartered.
• Genoa Salami - 8 ounces of Genoa salami, sliced and quartered.
• Mozzarella - ½ cup of mozzarella cheese balls.
• Artichoke Hearts - 13 ounces of artichoke hearts, quartered.
• Colby-Jack - 8 ounces of Colby-Jack cheese, cut into small cubes.

Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing

• Olive Oil - ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
• Balsamic Vinegar - 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
• Italian Seasoning - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Try my recipe, or use your favorite brand to add some zest to the vinaigrette!

This extremely versatile salad is great with any Italian salami or lunch meat varieties! Mix and match with your favorite flavors!

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Antipasto Salad

There's no cooking necessary in this effortless salad! You will need a knife, a cutting board, and a large salad serving bowl!

This recipe is for a whopping 8 servings, so it is perfect for when you are having a dinner party! Or serve up 6 hearty lunch portions.

Step 1: Prepare. Prep the antipasto salad ingredients by cutting the meats, cheeses, and vegetables into bite-size pieces. Wash and chop or hand-tear the romaine lettuce.

Step 2: Add. Transfer 4 cups (188 grams) of romaine lettuce into a large bowl then add ½ cup (67.5 grams) of green olives, ½ cup (67.5 grams) of black olives, 8 ounces (227 grams) of pepperoni, ½ cup (70 grams) of pickled roasted peppers, 8 ounces (227 grams) of Genoa Salami, ½ cup (50 grams) of mozzarella cheese balls, 13 ounces (367 grams) of artichoke hearts, and 8 ounces (227 grams) Colby-Jack cheese.

Step 3: Prepare the dressing. To make the balsamic olive oil dressing: Add ¼ cup (59 milliliters) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of Italian seasoning to a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients until combined, then pour over your salad.

Step 4: Serve. Toss to coat thoroughly and serve immediately.

🍽️ What To Serve With Antipasto Salad

This easy salad can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or main course! Pair it with some garlic herb focaccia bread or rustic bread.

Alternatively, you can serve it as an appetizer for a baked spaghetti and meatballs, Italian sausage bake, or lasagna dinner!

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce is usually equivalent to 1 head of romaine lettuce.
• The balsamic can be substituted with either red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Or try my Italian dressing or creamy Italian dressing instead.
• Other great additions could include nuts (like pistachios, almonds, or pecans), hot capicola, prosciutto, hard Italian cheese (like Pecorino Romano), cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or gorgonzola. 
• Serve your antipasto salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and/or freshly ground black pepper.

🥄 Make Ahead Options

You can prepare your salad ahead of time, but make sure to keep the dressing separated so it doesn't become soggy.

It can easily be stored in the fridge for a few days this way. When ready, add the dressing and toss it all together.

🥡 Storing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you plan to store it, leave off the dressing.

The salad and dressing can be prepared separately and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 

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❓ What Kind Of Dressing Is Best For Antipasto Salad?

All this salad needs is a simple vinaigrette. Of course, you can use whatever salad dressings you like, such as Italian dressing or even pesto.

❓ Can I Make Antipasto Salad Ahead Of Time?

Sure! Go ahead and chop and prepare your ingredients and combine them in a large bowl. You can also whisk together your salad dressing.

Keep the dressing and salad in the refrigerator separately until ready to serve.

❓ What Is The Difference Between Antipasto And Antipasto Salad?

Antipasto literally translates to 'before the meal' and is commonly used to represent any appetizer. On the other hand, an antipasto salad is just a salad that contains many of the same ingredients as an antipasto platter.

📖 Recipe Card