September 24, 2026

Antipasto Pasta Salad | Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

This Antipasto Pasta Salad has a little bit of everything in every bite.

Think tender fusilli tossed with salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, smoked provolone, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, pepperoncini, marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of fresh basil. Then everything gets coated in a bright, herby vinaigrette that pulls it all together.

It’s bold, savory, tangy, and incredibly satisfying.

Serve it cold for an easy make-ahead lunch or party side, or enjoy it warm when the mozzarella and smoked provolone get soft and just a little melty. That version might be even better.

Why You’ll Love This Antipasto Pasta Salad

This is not a boring pasta salad.

  • Packed with classic antipasto flavors

  • Loaded with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and herbs

  • Tossed in a homemade herby vinaigrette

  • Great warm or cold

  • Easy to make ahead

  • Perfect for parties, potlucks, lunches, and weeknight dinners

  • Even better after the flavors have time to mingle

It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then keep coming back to.

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

  • 1 lb fusilli pasta

  • 6 oz thinly sliced salami, chopped

  • 6 oz pepperoni, chopped

  • 1 cup mini mozzarella balls

  • 1 cup smoked mozzarella, smoked provolone, or smoked cheddar, cubed

  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup mixed pitted olives, chopped

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

  • ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced

  • ½ cup marinated artichokes, chopped

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Herby Vinaigrette

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup champagne vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ small shallot, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley and basil

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes

How to Make Antipasto Pasta Salad

Step 1

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Cook the fusilli until al dente according to the package directions.

Drain well.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, make the vinaigrette.

Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, dried oregano, fresh herbs, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 3

Add the warm pasta to a large bowl and immediately toss it with the vinaigrette.

Let it sit for a few minutes so the pasta can absorb all that bright, herby flavor.

Step 4

Add the salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, smoked provolone, cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pepperoncini, artichokes, and fresh basil.

Step 5

Toss everything together until well combined.

Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!

Why Toss the Pasta While It’s Warm?

Warm pasta absorbs dressing better than completely chilled pasta.

Tossing it with the vinaigrette right after draining allows the pasta to soak up the olive oil, vinegar, lemon, herbs, shallot, and garlic.

That means more flavor in every bite instead of dressing simply sitting on the surface.

Try This Pasta Salad Warm

Yes, antipasto pasta salad is great cold.

But you HAVE to try this one warm.

Add the meats, cheese, vegetables, and herbs while the pasta is still warm and the mozzarella and smoked provolone will begin to soften just slightly.

The cheese gets a little melty, the vinaigrette becomes extra fragrant, and the whole salad feels richer and more comforting.

It changes the dish in the best way.

Tips for the Best Antipasto Pasta Salad

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Keep the fusilli al dente.

The pasta will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the vinaigrette, especially if you make the salad ahead.

Use Plenty of Fresh Herbs

Fresh basil and parsley keep the salad from feeling heavy and balance the rich salami, pepperoni, and cheese.

Choose a Smoky Cheese

Smoked provolone, smoked mozzarella, or smoked cheddar adds another layer of flavor that works beautifully with the Italian-style meats.

Taste Before Serving

If the pasta salad has been chilled, taste it again before serving.

Cold temperatures can mute flavor, so it may need another pinch of salt, squeeze of lemon, or drizzle of olive oil.

Save Some Basil for the End

Adding a few fresh basil leaves right before serving keeps the salad looking and tasting fresh.

Make It Ahead

This is an excellent make-ahead pasta salad.

In fact, it gets even better after it sits because the pasta has more time to absorb the vinaigrette.

Prepare the salad in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Before serving, give everything a good toss.

If it looks a little dry, add a small splash of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Easy Antipasto Pasta Salad Variations

The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own.

Try adding:

  • Roasted red peppers

  • Fresh mozzarella pearls

  • Parmesan

  • Prosciutto

  • Mortadella

  • Cucumbers

  • Roasted garlic

  • Arugula

  • Spinach

  • Grilled zucchini

  • Chickpeas

  • Pine nuts

You can also leave out any ingredient you don’t love and add more of the ones you do.

What to Serve with Antipasto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad works as a side dish or a complete meal.

Serve it with:

  • Grilled chicken

  • Italian sausage

  • Burgers

  • Sandwiches

  • Garlic bread

  • Roasted vegetables

  • A simple green salad

  • Grilled shrimp

  • Soup

It’s especially good for picnics, potlucks, cookouts, office lunches, and casual family dinners.

Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

Because this dish tastes great at room temperature and can be made ahead, it’s ideal for entertaining.

Make a big batch, place it in a large serving bowl, and let everyone help themselves.

Then finish the meal with something sweet.

Browse our Cookie gift box options or explore our full collection of Cookie gift boxes for an easy dessert that’s made for sharing.

For something bite-sized, try our crispy Mini cookies or serve a signature Cookie assortment filled with freshly baked Assorted cookies.

More Sweet Ways to Feed Your Soul

Planning a party or event? Our Bulk cookies make serving a crowd simple.

For birthdays, thank-yous, celebrations, and special occasions, browse our curated Dessert boxes or choose a thoughtful Dessert box.

Looking for something interactive? Try our Cookie decorating kit or explore our full Cookie kit collection.

Shopping for plant-based sweets? Our Vegan gifts make it easy to send something delicious.

For a gift that keeps the sweetness coming, explore our Cookie of the month club or indulgent Brownie subscription box.

Feed Your Soul Sweet Thank You Cookie and Brownie Box Feed Your Soul DIY Kits Dessert Boxes

The Feed Your Soul Difference

We believe food should bring people together.

Whether it’s a bowl of Antipasto Pasta Salad passed around the table or a box of cookies sent to someone you love, the best food is the kind that creates a moment.

We take pride in our process, our facility, our team, our products, and our mission to give back. We bake integrity into everything we do.

Serve this pasta salad warm, serve it cold, make it ahead, or eat it straight from the bowl.

However you do it, make it yours.

Enjoy!

Xo

Written by mya zoracki