Italian Antipasto Salad
A fresh, hearty, and flavor-packed Italian-style salad loaded with crisp lettuce, savory cured meats, mozzarella, olives, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup black or kalamata olives
- ½ cup pepperoncini peppers
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed fresh mozzarella
- 4 oz salami, sliced
- 4 oz pepperoni or prosciutto
- ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
For the Italian Dressing
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Dressing
In a jar or small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine romaine, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, roasted peppers, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella, salami, and pepperoni.
3. Toss and Serve
Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Optional Add-Ins
- Marinated artichokes
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Croutons
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Grilled chicken
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
- Pair with soup or pasta
- Great for picnics and gatherings
- Delicious as a meal-prep lunch
Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve so the lettuce stays crisp.
What meats work best?
Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, capicola, or soppressata all work wonderfully.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meats and add chickpeas, white beans, or extra cheese.
How long will it last?
Undressed salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
What cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
Provolone, feta, parmesan, or burrata are all delicious alternatives.
