Zesty Italian Antipasto Salad

Name: Zesty Italian Antipasto Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American

The Italians do it right, don’t they? The ideal classic Italian Antipasto Salad comes to life with this recipe using our handy Zesty Italian Chopped Salad Kit. It starts with crisp romaine lettuce, green and red cabbage, kale, and carrots, topped with cheese and garlic crouton bits, Parmesan cheese, green onions, Italian seasoning, and a lively Italian vinaigrette.

Then you’ll add on ingredients from a classic Antipasto—in this recipe we’ve included kalamata olives, salami, and mozzarella for savory flavors with interesting textures, plus all of the favored red toppings: quartered heirloom tomatoes, sliced red onion, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. (Tip for the mozzarella: you can either use “pearls”/small mozzarella balls or cut a larger mozzarella ball into cubes. But be sure to buy fresh mozzarella that’s bright white and delightfully squishy). You end up with a lively salad that could stand on its own for a meal or be the first course to what will surely be a fantastico Italian feast!

Total TIME:
15 minutes

SERVINGS:
2

Ingredients

1 Taylor Farms Zesty Italian Chopped Salad Kit

1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

1 heirloom tomato, sliced into wedges

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh mozzarella

1/2 cup green or Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/2 cup sliced salami, cut into thin strips

Directions

Prepare the Taylor Farms Zesty Italian Chopped Salad Kit according to the package instructions. Toss everything together in a large bowl until well combined.
Once the salad is prepared, add the sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, fresh mozzarella balls, olives, sliced salami, and roasted red peppers to the bowl.
Gently toss all the ingredients together to distribute the toppings evenly throughout the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Serve the Zesty Antipasto Salad immediately as a delicious and flavorful appetizer or light meal. Feel free to customize the salad with additional antipasto ingredients such as grilled or roasted zucchini, pepperoncini peppers, or other meats.

What is Antipasto?

“Antipasto” is an Italian term that means “before the meal” (from “anti” meaning “before” and “pastus” meaning “meal” in Latin). Typically, it refers to the appetizer before a meal and is often a colorful variety of small dishes. But in Italian culture, antipasto is more than just food; it’s a time to relax, enjoy good company, and prepare for the culinary delights ahead.

Common Components of Antipasto

Looking to add some other foods to your Antipasto course? Make it traditionally Italian with these options:

Hard, Cured Meats: Salami, prosciutto, mortadella, and other Italian cured meats. Slice them, fold them, and serve!
Cheeses: Serve slices or wedges of provolone, parmesan, and gorgonzola
Vegetables: Marinated or grilled vegetables such as artichokes, peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms
Olives: Serve a variety of olives, whether stuffed or not stuffed: green, black, and Kalamata are favorites
Seafood: Try anchovies, smoked salmon, or marinated seafood
Bread: Slices of crusty bread, breadsticks, or focaccia
Other Goodies: Pickles, nuts, and spreads like tapenade or pesto