Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad (Printable)

Ditalini pasta tossed with arugula, salami, mozzarella, and pickled vegetables in a zesty dressing. Ready in 30 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz ditalini pasta
02 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Salad Base

03 - 3.5 oz fresh arugula
04 - 4 oz salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
05 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
06 - 3.5 oz pickled vegetables (giardiniera, pepperoncini, or mixed Italian pickles), chopped
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 8 cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Zesty Dressing

09 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
12 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
13 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool; set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
03 - Add the cooked ditalini, arugula, salami, mozzarella, pickled vegetables, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
04 - Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The peppery arugula cuts through all the rich cheese and cured meat in just the right way
  • You can make it ahead and it actually tastes better after the flavors hang out together
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water or it will keep cooking and turn mushy on you
  • The salad absorbs dressing as it sits, so make extra if youre planning to serve it the next day
03 -
  • Cut your salami and vegetables into similar sized pieces so every bite feels balanced
  • Add a handful of fresh basil at the end for an extra layer of spring flavor
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