Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad

Experience the vibrant flavors of spring with this lively and refreshing Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad. Inspired by the viral grinder salad trend, this dish combines tiny ditalini pasta with peppery arugula, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a bright and zesty homemade dressing. It is the perfect addition to any spring gathering or a light weekday lunch.

Merken

This Italian-American inspired salad stands out thanks to its zesty dressing featuring red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. The addition of pickled vegetables like giardiniera or pepperoncini adds a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the salami and mozzarella.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 300 g (10 oz) ditalini pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

Salad Base

• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh arugula
• 120 g (4 oz) salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
• 150 g (5 oz) fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
• 100 g (3.5 oz) pickled vegetables (e.g., giardiniera, pepperoncini, or mixed Italian pickles), chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 cherry tomatoes, halved

Zesty Dressing

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool; set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 3

Add the cooked ditalini, arugula, salami, mozzarella, pickled vegetables, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl.

Step 4

Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6

Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente. Chilling the salad for up to 2 hours before serving allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients, creating a more cohesive flavor. Remember to give it a final toss just before it hits the table.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami and add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra depth. If you do not have ditalini on hand, elbow macaroni or small shells work just as well as a substitute.

Serviervorschläge

This pasta salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé. For those who enjoy a bit of extra texture, try adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch just before serving.

Merken

This Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad provides a satisfying meal with 360 calories and 14 g of protein per serving. Whether served as a main dish or a side, it brings a bright, Italian-American flair to your spring dining experience.