Irresistible Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad Recipe Made Simple
The Pioneer Woman’s antipasto salad transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece brimming with zesty Mediterranean charm.
Crisp vegetables and succulent meats mingle in a vibrant dance of flavors.
Tangy olives and sharp cheeses create a symphony of textures that excite the senses.
Delicate herbs and bold seasonings intertwine, crafting a dish that sings with authenticity.
Sliced salami and marinated artichokes add depth and complexity to this stunning salad.
Each forkful whisks you away to a sun-drenched Italian countryside, where food tells stories of tradition and passion.
Check out this mouthwatering creation and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 5
Get Ready with Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
For Dressing:For Protein and Cured Meats:For Fresh and Preserved Ingredients:Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
Putting Together a Batch of Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
Whisk together tangy white balsamic, pungent garlic, and aromatic oregano in a small bowl. Gradually stream olive oil while mixing to create a silky, harmonious blend. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
Slice romaine into delicate bite-sized pieces, transforming the lettuce into a lively base. Gently toss with the zesty dressing, ensuring each leaf sparkles with intense flavor.
Spread dressed romaine on a grand platter. Weave together a tapestry of cured meats – salami, soppressata, and prosciutto – creating a rich landscape. Scatter roasted red peppers, halved grape tomatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, and briny olives. Crown the composition with creamy mozzarella balls.
Shower fresh basil leaves across the salad, infusing the dish with vibrant green color and a fragrant Mediterranean spirit.
Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the masterpiece, adding a luxurious sweet-tangy finale that transforms the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Kitchen Notes and Tweaks for Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
Experiment with different vinegars like red wine or apple cider vinegar to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
Replace salami, soppressata, and prosciutto with grilled chicken, turkey breast, or plant-based protein alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the salad.
Mix mozzarella with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or provolone to introduce additional tangy and creamy textures that elevate the overall salad experience.
Keep dressing and salad ingredients separate until serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent soggy lettuce, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors with every bite.
How to Dish Out Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
How to Keep Fresh and Ready Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
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Vibrant Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Description
Pioneer woman antipasto salad combines Italian ingredients in a zesty mix of cured meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Crisp textures and bold flavors make this dish perfect for summer gatherings where you can enjoy a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices salami
- 6 pieces soppressata (cut into batons)
- 4 thin slices prosciutto (loosely rolled into flower shapes)
- 8 mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 romaine heart (chopped, about 4 cups)
- 8 grape tomatoes (halved)
- 8 black olives (whole, pitted)
- 8 green olives (whole, pitted, nocellara or Cerignola preferred)
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers (sliced)
- 2 artichoke hearts (marinated, drained, and quartered)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) white balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ small clove garlic (grated)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Dressing Preparation: Whisk white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a mixing bowl. Gradually stream olive oil while whisking to create a smooth emulsion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Salad Assembly: Chop romaine hearts and place in a large bowl. Pour prepared dressing over greens and toss thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
- Meat and Cheese Layer: Spread dressed romaine on a serving platter. Artfully arrange salami, soppressata, and prosciutto across the greens. Distribute mozzarella balls strategically throughout the salad.
- Vegetable Embellishment: Scatter roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives across the surface. Ensure even distribution for balanced flavor and visual texture.
- Finishing Touches: Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the entire composition. Drizzle balsamic glaze in a delicate pattern, adding a glossy, sweet dimension to the antipasto salad.
Notes
- Emulsify Dressing Carefully: Slowly whisk olive oil into vinegar mixture to prevent separation and create a smooth, well-blended dressing.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Arrange meats and toppings with visual appeal in mind, ensuring each bite offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures.
- Serve Immediately: Prepare salad just before serving to maintain crisp romaine and prevent wilting from dressing absorption.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Select premium cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant vegetables to elevate the overall taste and presentation of the antipasto salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine
Education
Southwestern Oregon Community College
Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care.
After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.
Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.