This Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad captures the essence of Italian cuisine in a single, vibrant dish. The savory flavors of cured meats and tangy pickled vegetables pair perfectly with the tender pasta and crisp broccoli. Every bite is a delicious contrast of textures and tastes—from the soft mozzarella pearls to the juicy cherry tomatoes, and the zesty tang of pepperoncini.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, this salad checks every box. It’s filling yet refreshing, bold in flavor, and easy to throw together with simple ingredients. Serve it chilled for maximum impact—it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
8 ounces rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
-
3 cups broccoli florets
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1 cup diced salami
-
1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini
-
1/2 cup pitted black olives
-
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
-
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
-
1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
-
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions:
-
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly. Drain well.
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and broccoli with cherry tomatoes, diced salami, pepperoncini, black olives, mozzarella, and red onion.
-
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Italian dressing, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
-
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
-
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad Is the Perfect Fusion of Fresh and Flavorful
Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors wrapped in an easy, chilled pasta salad that brings together savory meats, creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing. Inspired by the classic Italian antipasto platter, this salad offers a modern twist by incorporating rotini pasta and crisp-tender broccoli to create a satisfying and wholesome dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a standout side.
The idea of antipasto—which means “before the meal” in Italian—originated from the tradition of serving small bites to stimulate the appetite before the main course. These appetizers typically included cured meats, marinated vegetables, cheeses, and olives. Over time, chefs and home cooks began to integrate these components into salads, pasta dishes, and more, giving rise to versatile creations like this Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad.
What makes this salad especially appealing is its unique combination of textures and tastes. From the crunch of broccoli and the tang of pepperoncini to the savory punch of salami and the creamy satisfaction of mozzarella pearls, every ingredient plays a role in creating balance. It’s the kind of salad that delights the palate and keeps people coming back for more.
The Health and Nutritional Benefits
While it’s loaded with flavor, this salad also offers several nutritional benefits. Broccoli, the star vegetable here, is a superfood rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting overall immune function and bone health.
Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a juicy burst of sweetness while providing lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Red onion and olives contribute additional antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, while the pepperoncini offer digestive benefits and metabolic support.
Using a light Italian vinaigrette rather than a cream-based dressing keeps this dish lower in calories and saturated fats, while still providing that bright, tangy flavor. Pasta brings complex carbs for sustained energy, and the inclusion of salami and mozzarella introduces a dose of protein and fat for satiety.
Of course, this salad can be easily adapted to various dietary needs—vegetarians can skip the salami or substitute it with marinated chickpeas or grilled tofu. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. It’s a flexible recipe designed to nourish while pleasing a variety of palates.
Convenience and Versatility
One of the top reasons this Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad stands out is its sheer convenience. It can be made in advance, stored in the fridge for several days, and actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors have more time to meld together. That makes it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners when you don’t feel like turning on the stove.
Unlike traditional antipasto platters that require multiple small dishes and separate marinating processes, this recipe combines everything into one big, harmonious bowl. It saves time and cleanup while still delivering all the variety and complexity that antipasto lovers crave.
It’s also a showstopper at gatherings. The colorful medley of ingredients—green broccoli, bright red tomatoes, white mozzarella pearls, pink salami, and dark olives—makes for an eye-catching presentation that stands out on any table. Whether you serve it as a BBQ side, a light lunch, or the centerpiece of a buffet spread, it effortlessly impresses without needing elaborate prep or hard-to-find ingredients.
Why This Version is the Best
There are many antipasto pasta salads out there, but this particular rendition brings thoughtful balance to the table. The use of rotini helps trap dressing and bits of meat and cheese in every bite. Broccoli, rather than cucumbers or other watery vegetables, adds structure and crunch while holding up well in the refrigerator.
The homemade vinaigrette (or a good-quality store-bought option) adds zing without being overpowering or heavy. Ingredients are layered for complexity without overcrowding the dish, meaning every bite offers something new—salty, creamy, crisp, tangy, and herbaceous.
In essence, this salad is a masterclass in contrast. It’s hearty but not heavy, flavorful but not fussy. It respects the roots of Italian antipasto while updating the concept for the modern kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that ticks all the boxes—easy, healthy, delicious, versatile, and visually appealing—the Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad is a true winner. It honors tradition while embracing innovation, blending ingredients that complement each other in every way. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining a crowd, this dish brings people together with its vibrant flavors and effortless charm.
It’s more than a salad—it’s a Mediterranean moment in every bite.
Conclusion
The Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad is a delicious fusion of classic Italian flavors and modern convenience, making it a standout addition to any mealtime lineup. It captures the essence of a traditional antipasto platter with its bold, briny, and savory elements, while the addition of pasta and crisp broccoli turns it into a filling, well-balanced dish. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and vibrant both in flavor and appearance, this salad is perfect for everything from weekday lunches to festive gatherings. Whether served chilled as a refreshing summer dish or packed up for a picnic or potluck, it delivers both nourishment and satisfaction in every bite. If you’re searching for a simple, colorful, and crowd-pleasing recipe that never disappoints, this Antipasto Pasta Broccoli Salad belongs at the top of your list.