Description
Pioneer Woman Antipasto Salad delivers a Mediterranean-inspired feast brimming with Italian cured meats, cheeses, and zesty vegetables. Crisp ingredients dance together, creating a refreshing medley you’ll crave at summer gatherings and potluck parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 6 slices salami
- 6 pieces soppressata, cut into batons
- 4 thin slices of prosciutto, loosely rolled into flower shapes
- 8 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
Vegetables and Accompaniments:
- 1 romaine heart, chopped (about 4 cups)
- ¼ cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 8 grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 8 whole pitted black olives
- 8 whole pitted green olives (nocellara or Cerignola preferred)
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- ½ small clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and dried oregano in a compact mixing vessel. Slowly incorporate olive oil while continuously blending to create a smooth, unified emulsion. Enhance with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- Transfer crisp, roughly chopped romaine hearts into a spacious mixing bowl. Generously pour the meticulously prepared dressing over the greens, gently tossing to ensure each leaf is evenly coated with the aromatic mixture.
- Elegantly layer the dressed romaine across a substantial serving platter, creating a lush green foundation. Strategically distribute an assortment of cured meats including salami, soppressata, and prosciutto across the verdant surface.
- Embellish the salad with vivid roasted red peppers, sweet grape tomatoes, tender artichoke hearts, briny olives, and creamy mozzarella balls, arranging them with artistic precision to maximize visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Delicately scatter freshly torn basil leaves over the composed salad, adding a final layer of fragrant herbaceous notes.
- Moments before presentation, delicately drizzle balsamic glaze across the salad, introducing a luxurious sweet undertone that elevates the entire culinary composition.
Notes
- Whisk olive oil and vinegar gradually to create a smooth, well-blended dressing that clings perfectly to every ingredient.
- Select crisp, vibrant vegetables and high-quality proteins that promise maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Create an artistic presentation by layering ingredients with varying heights, textures, and complementary colors.
- Sample the dressing before final assembly, adjusting seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance overall taste profile.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction moments before serving to maintain ingredient crispness and maximize fresh flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg