Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad

The Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad is a colorful and satisfying dish that brings together classic deli meats, bold cheeses, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for any time of year, this salad is bursting with textures from the creamy mozzarella balls to the crunch of cucumbers and the tang of marinated pepper rings. Whether you’re prepping for a weekday lunch, hosting a casual dinner party, or simply craving something fresh and hearty, this salad is a go-to. Add tortellini for the pasta lovers in your life or leave it lettuce-based for a lighter, low-carb option. Either way, you’re in for a Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s both versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For The Salad:

• 2 Hearts of Romaine, Shredded

• 1/2 lb of Salami, Sliced, Cut into Squares

• 1/2 lb of Provolone, Sliced, Cut into Squares

• 8oz Package of Marinated Mini Fresh Mozzarella Balls

• 1 Cucumber, Sliced Thin

• 1 Red Pepper, Sliced into Strips

• 1 Cup of Mild Pepper Rings

• 1 White Onion, Sliced into Strips

• 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper

• 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil

• 1 Cup of Parmesan, Cubed

• 1/2 lb Pepperoni, Diced

For The Dressing:

• 1 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil

• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

• 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil

• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar (or a natural sweetener)

• 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt

Optional for Carb Lovers:

• 1 Bag Tri-Colored Tortellini, Cooked and Cooled

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded romaine, salami, provolone, mozzarella balls, cucumber, red pepper, pepper rings, white onion, cubed parmesan, and diced pepperoni.

2. Sprinkle with black pepper and dried basil. Toss gently to mix.

3. In a separate small bowl or mason jar, combine red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified.

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat thoroughly.

5. Optional: For a heartier, carb-rich version, gently fold in cooled tortellini just before serving and omit romaine for a more pasta-forward antipasto dish.

6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for intensified flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal (with tortellini) | Servings: 6 servings

Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad: A Flavor-Packed Dish for Every Occasion

Italian cuisine is known around the world for its bold flavors, rich culinary traditions, and the ability to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. One shining example of this is the Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad, a colorful, protein-rich dish that’s both visually striking and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this salad captures the essence of a traditional Italian antipasto platter only chopped, tossed, and presented in a fresh and modern way.

This recipe isn’t just about aesthetics or flavor; it’s about versatility, ease of preparation, and satisfying both low-carb and carb-loving eaters with a simple tweak. Packed with premium deli meats, creamy cheeses, crisp vegetables, and a bold homemade vinaigrette, this dish is a complete meal in itself and ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, casual dinners, or sophisticated gatherings.

The Inspiration Behind the Antipasto Salad

Antipasto, the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal, typically includes an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. The idea is to awaken the palate and introduce diners to the richness of Italian cuisine before the pasta or entrée arrives. This salad takes the beloved elements of antipasto salami, provolone, mozzarella, and more and turns them into a fully-loaded, fork-friendly experience. The beauty of the chopped salad format is that each bite contains a medley of flavors and textures, delivering a more integrated taste experience compared to a traditional platter.

The chopped antipasto salad also embraces the modern trend of convenience. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and is just as good served cold. With the optional addition of tri-colored tortellini, it becomes a hearty, carb-inclusive dish perfect for potlucks or large gatherings.

A Balanced and Hearty Meal in One Bowl

This salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Between the combination of meats and cheeses, you’re getting a high-protein, high-fat content that supports satiety. The inclusion of romaine lettuce, cucumber, red bell pepper, and onion introduces fiber and hydration, while the pepper rings and herbs add a tangy and aromatic brightness that prevents the richness from becoming overwhelming.

If you’re making it low-carb, the salad delivers a satisfying crunch and richness without needing pasta or bread. For carb-lovers, the cooked and cooled tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and additional flavor that transforms it into a more substantial meal. It’s essentially two recipes in one an inclusive dish that can be served in multiple formats, depending on your guests or dietary preferences.

The Dressing: A Homemade Vinaigrette with Depth

One of the standout features of this salad is the homemade red wine vinaigrette. It brings together classic Italian flavors garlic, basil, vinegar, and olive oil with a touch of sweetness and salt for balance. Unlike creamy dressings that may overpower the natural flavors of your ingredients, this vinaigrette enhances and binds the various elements without taking center stage.

Because the ingredients in this salad are already rich and flavorful (salty meats, bold cheeses, marinated mozzarella), the acidity of red wine vinegar and the smoothness of olive oil play an essential role in rounding out the dish. The dressing can also be doubled and stored in the refrigerator for use on other salads, grilled vegetables, or even drizzled over sandwiches.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Salad

Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad is ideal for meal prep or entertaining because it doesn’t wilt or become soggy quickly. In fact, it often tastes even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. You can make the salad up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re adding tortellini, make sure it’s fully cooled before incorporating it into the salad to avoid warming or wilting the other ingredients.

Another great thing about this salad is its portability. It can be packed for work lunches, picnics, or road trips with minimal effort and no need for reheating. It also serves as an excellent potluck item because it holds up well over time and suits a wide range of palates.

Customization Ideas and Ingredient Swaps

One of the reasons this salad is so popular is its adaptability. You can easily customize it based on what’s available in your fridge or your guests’ dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the salami and pepperoni and double up on the cheeses or add roasted chickpeas for protein and crunch.

• Spicy Kick: Add spicy giardiniera or banana peppers to boost the heat level.

• Mediterranean Twist: Swap out the Italian meats for kalamata olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes.

• Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheeses and meat substitutes or bulk up the veggies and legumes for added substance.

It’s also an excellent way to reduce food waste by using up odds and ends from your charcuterie boards, leftover roasted vegetables, or small blocks of cheese you have on hand.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Because this salad is so rich and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• As a Main Course: Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread (for the carb eaters) or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

• With Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or dry Rosé pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and salty meats.

• As a Side Dish: Complement grilled meats, paninis, or lasagna with this refreshing chopped salad.

It’s also great on a buffet or Italian-themed spread alongside marinated olives, focaccia, and grilled vegetables.

A Crowd-Pleaser That Appeals to All Diets

What makes the Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad particularly special is its ability to bridge the gap between dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, catering a casual event, or preparing meals for the week, this salad covers all bases. It’s indulgent without being heavy, customizable without being complicated, and impressive without requiring hours of prep time.

The option to divide the salad into two bowls one low-carb with romaine and another with tortellini instead makes this recipe a favorite among both keto-conscious and pasta-loving guests. It’s a thoughtful touch that goes a long way when hosting, ensuring that everyone at your table feels included.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Italian Chopped Antipasto Salad is more than just a salad it’s a celebration of classic Italian ingredients presented in a modern, convenient format. With its striking color palette, dynamic textures, and rich, satisfying flavor profile, it’s no wonder this dish continues to be a staple for those who appreciate bold yet balanced meals.

It’s incredibly versatile, endlessly adaptable, and ideal for both special occasions and everyday dining. Whether you serve it with tortellini or stick to a traditional low-carb version, one thing is certain: this salad is destined to be a repeat performer in your kitchen.