Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad

In this recipe the classic Italian antipasti platter takes the form of a single cold salad. All of the traditional elements are present here: tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, peppers, cheese and salami. Of course, you can swap all kinds of antipasti-minded ingredients into this salad and omit the meat or cheese for vegetarians or vegans, but don’t skip the butter beans, which are the star of this dish. They’re marinated in an oregano vinaigrette while the rest of the salad is prepped, ensuring they soak up as much flavor as possible. After tossing together, this salad chills in the fridge where the flavors only get better over time. So, feel free to make it ahead. Serve with a nice hunk of bread to make a bellissimo lunch or dinner.
  • Preparation:
  • Cooking:
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  • Serves: 2 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine oil, garlic, vinegar, oregano, mustard, honey, 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 1 pinch pepper flakes. Whisk to combine, add beans and submerge in dressing to marinate. 
  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, prep the rest of your salad ingredients: Halve the tomatoes, smash the olives, slice the roasted red peppers into 1/2-inch strips and dice the salami and provolone cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Add it all, plus the artichokes, to the bowl with the marinated beans and gently toss to dress. Adjust seasonings to taste. 
  3. Step 3

    Refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour. Flavors intensify over time, so feel free to make the salad in advance. Before serving, add parsley and basil and toss to combine.