Autumn Letters — the journal

She’s the Goose

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

Suppers · Summer

Italian Antipasto Pasta Salad

An antipasto platter, turned into a supper — cold, generous, and made for a crowd.

About 30 minMakes a large bowlChill at least 1 hr

Made for a gathering, it’s worth a heavier hand — extra salami, extra mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoncini.

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 1 lb shell pasta
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
  • 6 oz Genoa salami, diced
  • 4 oz pepperoni, quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup purple and green olives, sliced
  • ½ cup pepperoncini, sliced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing

  • ¾ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Method

  1. 01

    Cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking.

  2. 02

    Whisk together all the dressing ingredients.

  3. 03

    In a large bowl, combine the pasta, meats, cheese, vegetables, olives, pepperoncini, and parsley.

  4. 04

    Toss with the dressing and refrigerate at least one hour.

  5. 05

    Before serving, add a little extra Parmesan and a splash of olive oil if it looks dry.

Notes

It only improves as it sits — make it in the morning for the evening.