🥗🍝 Antipasto Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette 🍃🍅
What is it?
Antipasto Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a delightful and colorful Italian-inspired salad that combines the flavors of antipasto platters with pasta. It’s a refreshing, Mediterranean-style dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish. This salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring a variety of ingredients like pasta, cured meats, cheese, vegetables, and a zesty basil vinaigrette.
History:
The concept of antipasto can be traced back to ancient Rome when the Romans enjoyed a mix of appetizers before their meals. Over time, it evolved into the modern Italian antipasto platter, which typically includes an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables. The fusion of these antipasto elements into a pasta salad is a contemporary twist that reflects the ongoing evolution of Italian cuisine.
Components:
- Pasta: Typically, rotini or fusilli pasta is used, but you can choose your favorite pasta shape.
- Cured Meats: Common choices include salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan work well. Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are a popular choice.
- Vegetables: Options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives (green or black), artichoke hearts, and red onions.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil leaves add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Basil Vinaigrette: A simple dressing made with fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and seasonings.
Steps to Prepare:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
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Prepare the Basil Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, sliced cured meats, diced cheeses, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, artichoke hearts, and red onions.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the basil vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until well coated with the vinaigrette.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1-2 hours (or more for better flavor infusion)
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5-2.5 hours
This Antipasto Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and share it with family and friends! 🍽️🇮🇹🌿
Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Antipasto Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. Keep in mind that specific values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used:
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
- Cholesterol: 25-30 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 2-4 grams
- Protein: 10-12 grams
Health Information:
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Moderate Calories: This salad provides a moderate calorie count, making it suitable as a side dish or a light meal.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the basil vinaigrette is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, be mindful of portion sizes to control calorie intake.
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Protein: The salad contains a decent amount of protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Fiber: While it’s not particularly high in fiber, the addition of vegetables and whole-grain pasta can contribute to your daily fiber intake.
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Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the types and amounts of cured meats, cheese, and olives used. Be cautious if you’re watching your sodium intake.
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Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: The salad incorporates various vegetables and fresh basil, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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Customization: You can adjust the ingredients to make the salad healthier by using whole wheat pasta, leaner meats, and reducing cheese if desired.
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Portion Control: Keep portion sizes in check to manage calorie and fat intake, as some ingredients like cheese and cured meats can be calorie-dense.
Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes, so it’s a good idea to calculate exact values based on your specific recipe. Enjoy this salad in moderation as part of a balanced diet for a delightful and flavorful meal.
