Please note: the Total Time reflects prep time + chill time.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
For the Salad
8ouncesweight medium shell-shaped pasta or pasta shape of your choice, cooked al dente in salted water
1(16 ounce) jar giardiniera (it generally comes in regular and spicy hot)
1/4pounddiced pepperoni (purchased from the deli and sliced 1/4-inch thick, then cubed at home)
1/4pounddiced provolone cheese (purchased from the deli and sliced 1/4 thick, then cubed at home)
1/4pounddiced salami (I purchased a small, whole salami from the lunch meat area of my grocery store. At home I sliced it a scant 1/4-inch thick and then diced it.)
1cupsliced kalamata olives
1cupsmall dice purple onions
1/2cupmarinated artichoke hearts (any tough parts removed) sliced into bite-sized pieces
12yellow cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
12red cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
2tablespoonsfinely chopped fresh basil
1head Romaine lettuce, chopped
Dressing for Antipasto Salad
3/4cupextra virgin olive oil
1/2cupreserved giardiniera brine or white wine vinegar
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonsugar
1/4cupTerri's Garlic Bread Seasoning or dry garlic bread seasoning of choice
1/4teaspoonred pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
For the Salad
Drain the giardiniera, reserving 1/2 cup of brine. Some of the pieces in the gardiniera may need to be cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces, particularly the cauliflower.
In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients EXCEPT the Romaine lettuce. Set aside.
Make the dressing and pour over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss together well. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes - 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
Just before serving, toss salad with the romaine lettuce.
For the Salad Dressing
In a jar with a tight fitting lid, shake all of the dressing ingredients together. Pour over salad per above instructions.
Notes
Recipe adapted by Terri @ that's some good cookin'. Original recipe source: Taste of Home