A bold Italian-inspired classic
This antipasto salad is a colorful, flavor-packed dish that brings all the best Italian-inspired bites into one easy bowl. Crisp lettuce, marinated vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and savory beef salami come together with a zesty homemade dressing for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, potlucks, or meal prep when you want something fresh but satisfying. With minimal cooking and big, bold flavors, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy days—and it looks stunning on the table too. If you love hearty salads that eat like a full meal, this antipasto salad will quickly become a favorite.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup sliced green olives
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- ¾ cup sliced beef salami
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ¼ cup pepperoncini, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small mixing bowl or jar
- Whisk or fork
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- Build the salad: Add lettuce, tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, beef salami, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, and onion to a large bowl 🥗
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss & serve: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Salad should look glossy and vibrant ✨
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for extra flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it ahead: Store salad and dressing separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Protein swap: Use grilled chicken strips or sliced roast beef instead of beef salami if preferred.
- Extra crunch: Add chickpeas or toasted pine nuts just before serving.
- Serving idea: Pair with crusty bread or garlic flatbread for a complete meal.