Vibrant Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad Recipe

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

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:
  • White Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a high-quality, clear vinegar with a delicate, sweet flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts for the most robust taste.
  • Dried Oregano: Look for vibrant, fragrant oregano that maintains its deep green color.
  • Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil with a smooth, fruity undertone.
  • Kosher Salt: Opt for coarse salt crystals that provide clean, pure seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Select whole peppercorns to grind fresh for maximum aromatic intensity.
For Protein and Cured Meats:
  • Salami, Soppressata, Prosciutto: Choose artisanal, thinly sliced meats with rich marbling and deep color.
  • Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Pick soft, creamy balls with a delicate milky flavor and smooth texture.
For Fresh and Preserved Ingredients:
  • Romaine Heart: Select crisp, bright green leaves without wilting or brown edges.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Choose jarred peppers with vibrant color and tender texture.
  • Grape Tomatoes: Pick firm, glossy tomatoes with deep red color.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Select tender, marinated hearts without stringy or tough parts.
  • Mixed Olives: Choose a variety with different colors and sizes for visual appeal.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Pick bright green leaves without any dark spots or wilting.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Select a rich, syrupy reduction with balanced sweet and tangy notes.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad

  • Whisk: Small utensil for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing vinegar, garlic, and seasonings.
  • Large mixing bowl: Used for tossing lettuce with dressing.
  • Large serving platter: Ideal for arranging and presenting the Italian salad.
  • Cutting board: Needed for slicing meats, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for chopping ingredients into precise pieces.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of herbs and seasonings.

Putting Together a Batch of Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad

Putting Together a Batch of Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
  • Craft Vibrant Dressing

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.

  • Build Crisp Foundation

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.

  • Layer Luxurious Ingredients

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.

  • Elevate with Herbal Essence

Shower fresh basil leaves across the salad, infusing the dish with vibrant green color and a fragrant Mediterranean spirit.

  • Finish with Gourmet Flourish

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

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 Dish Out Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
  • Elevate Your Antipasto Experience: Serve this vibrant salad as a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings or casual Italian-inspired dinner parties.
  • Perfect Pairing Partners: Complement the salad with crusty ciabatta bread, crisp white wine like pinot grigio, or a chilled rosé to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
  • Create a Complete Meal: Transform this antipasto salad into a hearty main course by adding grilled chicken, sliced steak, or keeping it vegetarian with extra roasted vegetables.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.

How to Keep Fresh and Ready Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad

How to Keep Fresh and Ready Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad
  • Preserve Salad Freshness: Store prepared dressing and salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate Smart: Keep meat slices and mozzarella in a sealed container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, preventing moisture buildup and preserving quality.
  • Prevent Soggy Greens: Always dress the salad just before serving to keep romaine lettuce crunchy and prevent wilting, ensuring a delightful eating experience.
  • Revive Leftovers: Quickly refresh day-old ingredients by bringing them to room temperature and adding a light drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs to restore flavor and texture.
Print
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Vibrant Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad Recipe

Vibrant Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • 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

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Salad Assembly: Chop romaine hearts and place in a large bowl. Pour prepared dressing over greens and toss thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
  3. 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.
  4. Vegetable Embellishment: Scatter roasted red peppers, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives across the surface. Ensure even distribution for balanced flavor and visual texture.
  5. 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

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

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

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.

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