
This Italian antipasto pasta salad transforms everything you love about an antipasto platter into a vibrant, satisfying pasta dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a hearty lunch. The combination of tangy dressing, savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
I first created this recipe for my daughter's graduation party, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the buffet table. Now it's requested at every family gathering, especially during summer barbecues when everyone craves something substantial yet refreshing.
Ingredients
- Rotini or penne pasta The spiral or tube shapes capture more dressing and small ingredients in every bite
- Italian dressing Provides the tangy base flavor profile with herbs and vinegar
- Mayonnaise Creates a creamy texture that helps the dressing cling to every ingredient
- Red and green bell peppers Add sweet crunch and vibrant color to the salad
- Cherry tomatoes Burst with fresh acidity and juicy texture
- Red onion Delivers a sharp bite that balances the rich ingredients
- Black and green olives Contribute briny flavor that's quintessentially Mediterranean
- Pepperoncini Adds a mild tangy heat that wakes up your taste buds
- Salami Provides savory, spicy depth and satisfying protein
- Mozzarella and provolone cheeses Offer different textures and mild, creamy flavors
- Parmesan cheese Brings salty umami notes that enhance everything else
- Dried oregano and garlic powder Classic Italian flavor enhancers that tie everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in generously salted water until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. The pasta will continue absorbing flavors from the dressing, so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness. Immediately rinse under cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for mixing with other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing Base
- Whisk together Italian dressing and mayonnaise until completely smooth with no streaks remaining. This combination creates the perfect balance of tangy and creamy that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta and vegetable. The mayonnaise helps stabilize the dressing so it doesn't all sink to the bottom of the bowl.
- Combine Pasta and Dressing
- Add cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and fold gently but thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon. Ensure every piece of pasta is coated with dressing before adding other ingredients. This creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
- Add Fresh Vegetables
- Incorporate the peppers, tomatoes, onions, and olives by folding them gently into the dressed pasta. These ingredients add freshness, crunch, and color to contrast with the softer pasta texture. Take care not to crush the tomatoes which could release too much liquid into the salad.
- Incorporate Proteins and Cheeses
- Fold in the pepperoncini, salami strips, and cheese cubes with a light hand to maintain their distinct textures and prevent breaking. These ingredients provide the rich, savory elements that make the salad satisfying and true to its antipasto inspiration.
- Season and Finish
- Sprinkle Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture before giving everything a final gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasonings, recognizing that flavors will intensify during chilling. The layering of seasonings throughout the process ensures flavor in every bite.

The pepperoncini might seem like an optional ingredient, but they truly make this salad special. My Italian grandmother would always include them in her version, insisting they provide the perfect zingy counterpoint to the rich cheeses and meats. When I accidentally left them out once, my family immediately noticed something was missing!
Make It Your Own
This salad welcomes personalization based on your favorite antipasto ingredients. Try adding marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even anchovies for an umami boost. For a spicier version, substitute some of the salami with spicy soppressata or calabrese. Vegetarians can skip the meat and double up on cheese varieties or add chickpeas for protein.
Storage Success
For optimal flavor and texture, store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually improve after 24 hours as everything melds together. If making ahead for an event, reserve a small portion of the dressing mixture to refresh the salad just before serving, as the pasta will continue to absorb moisture while it sits.
Perfect Pairings
This hearty pasta salad stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but also pairs wonderfully with simple grilled chicken, Italian sausages, or a crusty loaf of ciabatta bread. For a more elaborate spread, serve alongside caprese skewers, bruschetta, and a light arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
Recipe FAQs
- → How far in advance can I make this antipasto pasta salad?
You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- → Can I substitute the meats and cheeses in this pasta salad?
Absolutely! This dish is very adaptable. Try prosciutto or ham instead of salami, or swap in feta or sharp cheddar for the provolone. Just maintain similar quantities to keep the flavor balance intact.
- → Is this Italian antipasto pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
The standard version contains salami, making it non-vegetarian. However, you can easily create a vegetarian version by omitting the salami and adding extra vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or chickpeas for protein.
- → How can I make this pasta salad healthier?
To create a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduce the mayonnaise and substitute with Greek yogurt, increase the vegetable content, and use reduced-fat cheeses. You could also use a homemade vinaigrette instead of bottled dressing.
- → What's the best pasta shape to use for this salad?
While the recipe suggests rotini or penne, any medium-sized pasta with ridges or curves works well because they capture more of the dressing. Farfalle (bow ties), fusilli, or even cheese tortellini are excellent alternatives that hold up well in cold pasta dishes.
- → Can I make this antipasto pasta salad gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just be sure to cook it al dente according to package instructions, as gluten-free pastas sometimes have different cooking times and can become mushy if overcooked.