Vinegar antipasto pasta salad is a refreshing and tangy twist on traditional pasta salad. This recipe combines pasta with a variety of vegetables, olives, and cheese, all marinated in a flavorful vinegar dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for grilled meats. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and unique pasta salad.
Ingredients for Vinegar Antipasto Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 pound pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sliced green olives
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cubed provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Vinegar Antipasto Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, black olives, green olives, red onion, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the vinegar antipasto pasta salad chilled as a side dish or a light main course.
About the Main Ingredients
- Pasta:
- Pasta is the base of this salad, providing a hearty and satisfying element. Choose a shape that will hold the dressing and other ingredients well, such as fusilli or penne.
- Vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, and red onion add freshness and crunch to the salad. They also provide a variety of colors and flavors.
- Olives:
- Black and green olives add a briny and salty flavor to the salad, which complements the tangy dressing and creamy cheese.
- Cheese:
- Mozzarella and provolone cheese add a creamy and savory element to the salad. They also help balance out the acidity of the vinegar dressing.
- Vinegar Dressing:
- The vinegar dressing is what gives this salad its unique flavor. Red wine vinegar and balsamic vinegar provide acidity, while garlic, oregano, and basil add depth and complexity.
