- Cherry tomatoes, fresh and vibrant (keyword: cherry tomatoes)
- Cucumber slices, crisp and refreshing (keyword: cucumber slices)
- Black olives, briny and flavorful (keyword: black olives)
- Red onion, finely sliced for a sweet bite (keyword: red onions)
- Bell peppers, colorful and crunchy (keyword: bell peppers)
- Artichoke hearts, marinated for extra flavor (keyword: artichoke hearts)
- Kalamata olives, plump and rich in taste (keyword: kalamata olives)
- Feta cheese, crumbled to add a salty note (keyword: feta cheese)
- Mozzarella balls, small and fresh (keyword: mozzarella balls)
- Grilled chicken pieces, tender and juicy (keyword: grilled chicken)
- Pasta, penne or fusilli shapes for easy mixing (keyword: pasta salad)
- Salad greens, such as spinach or arugula (keyword: salad greens)
- Basil leaves, fresh to garnish (keyword: basil leaves)
- Olive oil, extra virgin for dressing (keyword: olive oil)
- Balsamic vinegar, aged for a deep flavor (keyword: balsamic vinegar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (keyword: seasoning)
These ingredients are perfect for creating an antipasto pasta salad that is not only delicious but also appealing to search engines looking for recipe ideas.
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Steps
### Antipasto Pasta Salad Recipe: A Festive Italian Delight
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pasta (like penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 8 oz provolone cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
#### Keywords:
- antipasto pasta salad recipe
- Italian pasta salad
- penne pasta salad
- easy pasta salad ideas
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### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
1. **Boil Water:** Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt.
2. **Cook Pasta:** Add your choice of pasta (penne or fusilli) to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
3. **Drain Pasta:** Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly.
#### Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
1. **Chop and Slice:** Dice your cucumber into small cubes, slice the red onion thinly, and chop the bell pepper.
2. **Halve Tomatoes:** Halve cherry tomatoes for a vibrant pop of color.
3. **Prepare Other Ingredients:** Grate provolone cheese, slice black olives, and chop roasted red peppers.
#### Step 3: Make the Dressing
1. **Mix Olive Oil and Seasonings:** In a small bowl, mix olive oil with minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. **Season Pasta:** Toss cooked pasta with the dressing to ensure it's evenly coated.
#### Step 4: Combine Ingredients
1. **Layer Ingredients:** Add sliced onions, diced cucumbers, chopped bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, grated provolone cheese, sliced black olives, and chopped roasted red peppers into a large mixing bowl.
2. **Add Pasta:** Gently fold in the dressed pasta to ensure it’s well mixed with all other ingredients.
#### Step 5: Seasoning
1. **Final Tasting:** Give your salad one final taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
2. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, allowing flavors to meld together.
#### Step 6: Serve
1. **Serve Chilled:** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
2. **Storage Tips:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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- Use relevant keywords like "antipasto pasta salad," "penne pasta salad recipe," and "easy Italian pasta salads."
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Enjoy your delicious and vibrant antipasto pasta salad!