Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Lively ditalini tossed with arugula, salami, mozzarella, and pickled vegetables in a bright zesty dressing.

# What to Use:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz ditalini pasta
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Salad Base

03 - 3.5 oz fresh arugula
04 - 4 oz salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
05 - 5 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
06 - 3.5 oz pickled vegetables such as giardiniera, pepperoncini, or mixed Italian pickles, chopped
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 8 cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Zesty Dressing

09 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool, then set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add cooked ditalini, arugula, salami, mozzarella, pickled vegetables, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl with dressing.
04 - Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
05 - Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and vinegar as needed for desired flavor balance.
06 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop. Toss again before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The zesty dressing makes everything taste bright and alive without feeling heavy
  • It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge so you can make it ahead stress free
02 -
  • Rinse the pasta immediately after draining or it will keep cooking and turn mushy
  • The salad needs at least 30 minutes of chilling time for the flavors to really come together
03 -
  • Cut all ingredients roughly the same size as the pasta for the most balanced eating experience
  • Make extra dressing because the pasta soaks it up as it sits
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