What does antipasto mean?

Antipasto is an Italian term that means "before the meal." Traditionally, it refers to an appetizer course featuring ingredients such as olives, cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and artichokes. This Antipasto salad captures those classic flavors in a convenient bean-based recipe.

Can I make Antipasto salad ahead of time?

Yes. Antipasto salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. In fact, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours helps the ingredients absorb the dressing and develop even more flavor. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it within 3 to 5 days for the best quality.

What are the best olives to use in Antipasto?

Kalamata olives and Castelvetrano olives are among the best choices for Antipasto. Kalamata olives provide a rich, briny flavor, while Castelvetrano olives offer a buttery texture and mild taste. Using both varieties creates a more balanced and flavorful salad.

Is Antipasto salad healthy?

Yes. This Antipasto salad contains fiber-rich cannellini beans, heart-healthy fats from olives, nutrient-dense vegetables, and fresh herbs. It is a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish that can fit into many balanced eating plans while providing satisfying flavor and protein

Antipasto Easy Salad Recipe

Name: Antipasto Easy Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced; 1/2 tablespoon fresh chives, minced; 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives; 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives; 1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced

Description

This easy Antipasto Salad combines cannellini beans, Kalamata olives, Castelvetrano olives, pepperoncini peppers, artichoke hearts, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes in a flavorful Italian herb dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is perfect as a healthy side dish, light lunch, meal-prep option, or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 cans (15.5 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives
1/2 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced

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Instructions

In a large salad bowl, whisk together the sun-dried tomato oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, chives, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Drain and rinse the cannellini beans thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
Prepare the remaining ingredients by slicing the red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and pepperoncini peppers if needed.
Add the cannellini beans, Kalamata olives, Castelvetrano olives, pepperoncini peppers, red onion, artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

For the best flavor, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives provide the ideal balance of briny and buttery flavors.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This recipe is excellent for meal prep and packed lunches.
Great served alongside grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried Italian seasoning can be substituted if necessary.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 128
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 388mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg