Description
Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh dish combining rotini or penne pasta, smoked turkey slices, crisp vegetables, plant-based cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or potlucks, it offers a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with diverse textures and is easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup smoked turkey slices, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, cubed
Vegetables and Olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural flavoring)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural)
- 1 tsp dried basil (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves or fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until just al dente to ensure a perfect texture that holds the dressing well. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Protein: Chop the smoked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion and bell peppers, pit and slice the olives, and cube the plant-based cheese for even distribution.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil (natural), minced garlic (natural flavoring), dried oregano (natural), dried basil (natural), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple dressing enhances the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked pasta, smoked turkey, vegetables, olives, and plant-based cheese with the dressing. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use quality olive oil (natural) for best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds the dressing better.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor by letting herbs and dressing infuse.
- Add fresh herbs and cheese last-minute before serving to keep brightness.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar according to personal taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method / Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian pasta salad, antipasto salad, plant-based cheese salad, smoked turkey salad, easy pasta salad
