Non-Alcoholic Antipasto Pasta Salad with Artichokes & Beef Pepperoni
This vibrant Non-Alcoholic Antipasto Pasta Salad combines the comforting familiarity of pasta with the bold flavors of an antipasto platter. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family gatherings, it’s a dish that impresses with its rich flavors and delightful textures.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- 12 ounces (340g) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150g) mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 can (14 ounces/400g) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 6 ounces (170g) sliced pepperoni or salami
- 1 cup (150g) roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup (75g) diced red onion
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Avoid overcooking as the pasta will continue to soften when mixed with the dressing.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help keep the pasta firm and non-sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of halved mozzarella balls, 1 can of drained and quartered artichoke hearts, 6 ounces of sliced beef pepperoni, 1 cup of sliced roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup of black olives, 1/2 cup of green olives, and 1/2 cup of diced red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until everything is well-coated. The vibrant colors should mix beautifully, and the aroma should be tantalizing.
- Add 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh basil and parsley to the salad. Toss again to incorporate the herbs, which will add a fresh, aromatic quality to the dish.
- Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. You can taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Don't skip rinsing the pasta to prevent it from sticking together. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. Let the salad sit before serving to enhance the flavors.