Zingy Michael Symon Antipasto Salad Recipe for Festive Gatherings

Michael Symon’s antipasto salad erupts with Mediterranean zest, transforming humble ingredients into a culinary carnival.

Spiral pasta becomes a playful stage for a vibrant performance of flavors and textures.

Bold Italian-style elements mingle and dance, creating a sensory symphony that whispers of sunny coastal afternoons.

Crisp vegetables, savory meats, and tangy cheese collaborate in a mouthwatering ensemble that transcends ordinary dining.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through robust ingredients and carefully balanced tastes.

The red wine vinegar dressing adds a sparkling finale, harmonizing every component with its bright, zesty melody.

Get ready to savor a recipe that turns an everyday meal into an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 700 kcal

Servings: 11

Antipasto Salad Ingredients

• Rotini, Penne: Choose pasta with ridges to catch more dressing and hold ingredients; whole wheat options add extra nutrition.

• Salami, Provolone Cheese: Select high-quality deli salami with good marbling; opt for sharp provolone for bold flavor profile.

• Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Marinated Artichoke Hearts, Fresh Basil Leaves, Pepperoncini Peppers, Kalamata Olives: Pick crisp, vibrant vegetables; ensure olives are plump and artichokes are tender; basil should be bright green and fragrant.

• Red Wine Vinegar, Honey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Choose cold-pressed olive oil with robust taste; use raw honey for deeper sweetness; select high-quality vinegar with balanced acidity; ensure herbs are freshly dried for maximum flavor.

Tools to Assemble Symon’s Antipasto Salad

• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious vessel perfect for tossing and combining all ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping salami, cheese, and vegetables safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise dicing and slicing of salad components.
• Whisk: Handy tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for vinegar, honey, and spices.
• Measuring Cup: Helps accurately pour olive oil while whisking.
• Colander: Ideal for draining and rinsing pasta quickly.
• Storage Container with Lid: Keeps salad fresh while marinating in refrigerator.

Michael Symon’s Instructions for Antipasto Salad

• Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil your favorite twisty pasta until tender, then quickly rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent clumping. This keeps the noodles fresh and prevents them from becoming mushy.

• Slice and Dice Flavor Builders

Chop an exciting array of ingredients into bite-sized pieces: crispy salami, creamy provolone, tangy olives, zesty red onions, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, and fragrant basil leaves. Each ingredient adds a unique burst of flavor and texture to your dish.

• Craft Vibrant Dressing

Whip up a knockout dressing by blending robust red wine vinegar, sweet honey, earthy oregano, and a splash of rich olive oil. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined, creating a harmonious blend that will make your taste buds dance.

• Combine and Chill

Toss all your chopped ingredients with the pasta and drizzle the zesty dressing over everything. Gently mix to ensure every morsel is coated with deliciousness. Pop the bowl in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. When ready, serve cold and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired feast that’s bursting with fresh, bold flavors.

Flavor Tips for Antipasto Salad

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Let the pasta salad marinate longer for deeper, more complex taste profiles. Overnight refrigeration allows ingredients to fully absorb the zesty dressing.
• Customize Your Blend: Swap proteins like replacing salami with grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or crispy pancetta for varied protein options. Vegetarians can add roasted chickpeas or plant-based protein alternatives.
• Smart Ingredient Swaps: Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese to change the salad's character. Consider alternative olives like green Spanish olives or mild black olives for unique flavor dimensions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this pasta salad up to 2 days in advance, keeping dressing and ingredients separate until serving. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures. Gently stir before serving to redistribute seasonings and revive the salad's vibrant appearance.

Serving Michael Symon’s Antipasto Dish

• Serve with Mediterranean Flair: Create a stunning platter with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle extra basil leaves on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Pair with Crusty Companions: Accompany this pasta salad with warm garlic bread or crispy ciabatta slices to soak up the zesty dressing and add delightful texture contrast.
• Elevate as Main or Side: Present as a hearty lunch option on its own or serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a vibrant side dish at summer barbecues and potlucks.
• Transform into Picnic Perfect Meal: Pack in mason jars for easy transport, making it an ideal portable lunch for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or work lunch breaks.

Keeping Symon’s Antipasto Fresh

• Store Smartly for Maximum Flavor
• Keep the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. The dish maintains its delicious taste for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Prevent Soggy Situations
• Add fresh herbs and dressing just before serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent ingredients from becoming limp or waterlogged. Drain any excess liquid that may accumulate during storage.
• Revive Leftover Magic
• Refresh chilled pasta salad by letting it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Gently stir and add a small splash of olive oil to reinvigorate the flavors and restore the salad's vibrant appearance.
• Freeze with Caution
• Avoid freezing this particular pasta salad due to the delicate nature of fresh vegetables and cheese. Fresh ingredients lose their texture and crispness when frozen and thawed, compromising the overall quality of the dish.

Hearty Michael Symon Antipasto Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s antipasto salad combines Italian deli meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables in a zesty Mediterranean-inspired dish. Crisp ingredients and tangy dressing create a perfect appetizer or light meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 packages (1 lb or 907 g) spiral pasta
• 1 lb (454 g) genoa salami, julienned
• 1 lb (454 g) pepperoni, julienned
• ½ lb (227 g) provolone cheese, cubed
• 1–½ cups (360 ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 cup (150 g) ripe olives, halved
• 4–5 large tomatoes, chopped
• 3 large onions, chopped
• 2 large green peppers, chopped
• 2 cans (15-16 oz or 425–454 g) garbanzo beans/chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 2 tbsps dried oregano
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water to halt cooking and rapidly cool the noodles.
2. Vegetable Precision: Meticulously dice bell peppers, red onions, and celery into uniform, petite cubes to guarantee balanced flavor distribution throughout the salad.
3. Dressing Crafting: Whisk apple cider vinegar, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper together, then gradually incorporate extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create a silky, emulsified dressing.
4. Salad Assembly: Merge cooled pasta and precisely chopped vegetables in a spacious mixing bowl, then drench with the freshly prepared dressing, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
5. Flavor Infusion: Seal the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop a complex, harmonious flavor profile.
6. Final Touch: Prior to serving, gently stir the antipasto salad to revive the dressing’s consistency and fine-tune seasoning as desired.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Precise Chopping Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Emulsify with Care: Slowly whisk olive oil into the vinegar mixture to create a smooth, well-blended dressing that coats the pasta evenly.
• Pasta Cooling Technique: Rinse cooked pasta with cold water to immediately stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining the perfect al dente texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg