Antipasto salad is a traditional Italian starter dish that features a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. It is typically served before the main course as a way to stimulate the appetite. The ingredients can vary widely, but the salad often includes a combination of the following:

Common Ingredients in Antipasto Salad:

• Cured Meats: Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, or mortadella.
• Cheeses: Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, or fresh mozzarella balls.
• Marinated Vegetables: Artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and marinated mushrooms.
• Olives: Kalamata, green, or black olives.
• Fresh Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
• Leafy Greens: Romaine lettuce, arugula, or mixed greens.
• Extras: Pepperoncini, capers, and fresh basil.

Dressing:

The salad is typically dressed with a simple Italian vinaigrette, made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sometimes, a bit of lemon juice is added for extra freshness.

Antipasto Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or your favorite mix)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, black)
• 1/2 cup pepperoncini, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella
• 1/2 cup provolone cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup salami, sliced or cubed
• 1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced or cubed
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and pepperoncini.
2. Add the Meats and Cheeses:
   • Add the mozzarella, provolone, salami, and pepperoni to the salad bowl.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
4. Toss the Salad:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   • Serve immediately.

Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite antipasto ingredients.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
• Serving: Antipasto salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with crusty bread and a glass of wine.

Antipasto salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings together a variety of textures and tastes, making it a perfect start to any meal or a delightful light lunch on its own.