Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

This deli-inspired pasta salad is meant to be made ahead and served cold. Cut the add-ins close to the size of the pasta so every forkful gets a little of each. The dressing is intentionally simple; toss in stages so the pasta absorbs flavor without becoming oily.

Serves: 4
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini or fusilli
• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 4 ounces sliced salami, cut into strips
• 4 ounces provolone, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
• 1/3 cup pitted black olives, halved
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just tender according to the package directions, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
2. Whisk olive oil, red-wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Add the warm pasta and half the dressing. Toss well and let it cool for 10 minutes so the pasta can take up some of the seasoning.
4. Fold in artichokes, salami, provolone, roasted peppers, olives, and parsley.
5. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and taste for seasoning.

Variations

Replace salami with chickpeas for a meat-free bowl, or use mozzarella pearls instead of provolone. Add thinly sliced cucumber just before serving for freshness. If using salty marinated artichokes and olives, taste before adding more salt.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate promptly in a covered container and use within 3 days. Keep the salad chilled for packed lunches. If it looks dry after chilling, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil and a splash of vinegar rather than adding a large amount of dressing at once.

Read the packable lunches for mixed schedules and lunchbox prep plan for a busy week for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home meal planner and list any missing ingredients before shopping.