Italian Antipasto Salad

A Flavor-Packed, No-Fuss Meal! 🇮🇹🥗

If you love bold Italian flavors, crisp veggies, and a mix of savory meats and cheeses, this Italian Antipasto Salad is the perfect dish for you! Inspired by a classic antipasto platter, this salad is packed with crunchy romaine, salty olives, cured meats, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing.

This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish for pasta nights and summer cookouts!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Salad

✔ Packed with Bold Italian Flavors – Salty, tangy, cheesy, and delicious!✔ No Cooking Required – Just chop, toss, and enjoy!✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.✔ Customizable – Add your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies!

The Recipe: Italian Antipasto Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped or any lettuce

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup sliced cucumber

• ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained & chopped

• ½ cup black or green olives, sliced

• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, sliced

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)

• 1/2 cup of sliced provolone

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup salami, chopped

• ¼ cup prosciutto, torn into small pieces

📌 Optional Add-Ins: Pepperoncini, sun-dried tomatoes, or toasted croutons for extra crunch!

For the Homemade Italian Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (for extra savory flavor!)

📌 Pro Tip: Shake everything in a mason jar for an easy, well-emulsified dressing!

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dressing

1. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.

2. Stir in grated Parmesan for an extra depth of flavor.

3. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the salad.

📌 Pro Tip: This dressing gets better as it sits, so make it ahead of time for maximum flavor!

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

4. In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes, olives, roasted red peppers, and red onions.

5. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, salami, and prosciutto.

6. Drizzle with homemade Italian dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

📌 Want Extra Crunch? Add some toasted croutons or crushed pita chips on top!

How to Serve & Store

🍽 Serve Immediately – Best enjoyed fresh!🥡 Meal Prep Friendly – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days (keep the dressing separate until ready to eat).❄️ Make It a Pasta Salad – Swap romaine for cooked & cooled pasta for a heartier meal!

📌 Pro Tip: If prepping ahead, add delicate ingredients (like prosciutto and cheese) right before serving to keep them fresh!

Perfect Pairings for Italian Antipasto Salad

🍕 With Pizza or Pasta Night – A refreshing side for rich, cheesy dishes.🥖 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra dressing!🍷 With Wine & Charcuterie – Serve as part of an Italian-inspired spread!

Why This Antipasto Salad is a Must-Try!

This bold, flavor-packed Italian Antipasto Salad is quick, easy, and customizable. Whether you serve it as a side, a meal prep lunch, or a pasta salad alternative, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic antipasto flavors in a fresh and satisfying way.

If you try this, tag me on Instagram @Weeknight_Homemaker—I’d love to see your delicious salads!

Happy cooking! 

🥗💛Lauren

The Weeknight Homemaker