Merken Embrace the vibrant flavors of spring with this Antipasto Pasta Salad. Inspired by the viral grinder salad, this dish is a delightful medley of textures and tastes. It combines perfectly cooked ditalini pasta with peppery arugula, savory salami, creamy mozzarella pearls, and a colorful mix of tangy pickled vegetables. The whole salad is brought together with a bright, zesty dressing, making it an instant favorite for any picnic, potluck, or sunny afternoon meal.
Merken The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Each ingredient is chosen to contribute a distinct layer of flavor and texture, creating a balanced and satisfying main dish that feels both hearty and fresh.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) ditalini pasta
- Salt, for boiling water
- 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh arugula
- 120 g (4 oz) salami, sliced into strips or small cubes
- 150 g (5 oz) fresh mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
- 100 g (3.5 oz) pickled vegetables (e.g., giardiniera, pepperoncini)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to cool; set aside.
- Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked ditalini, arugula, salami, mozzarella, pickled vegetables, red onion, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the dressing.
- Step 4: Toss the Salad
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Step 5: Season and Adjust
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.
- Step 6: Serve or Chill
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To make preparation seamless, ensure you have a large pot for the pasta, a colander for draining, a large mixing bowl, a whisk for the dressing, and a sharp chef's knife and cutting board for chopping the vegetables and salami.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adaptable. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami and add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers. If you don't have ditalini, elbow macaroni or small shells work just as well. For an extra layer of texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
Serviervorschläge
This vibrant pasta salad is a meal in itself but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or crusty bread. For a beverage pairing, serve it with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.
Merken Whether you're looking for a new go-to lunch or a standout dish for your next social event, this Spring Antipasto Pasta Salad is a guaranteed winner. It's fresh, satisfying, and comes together in no time. Enjoy!
Fragen rund um das Rezept
- → Welche Pasta eignet sich am besten?
Ditalini sind ideal, da sie die Sauce gut aufnehmen und eine angenehme Bissfestigkeit bieten.
- → Wie kann das Gericht vegetarisch gestaltet werden?
Salami einfach weglassen und durch marinierte Artischockenherzen oder geröstete Paprika ersetzen.
- → Wie lange hält sich die Zubereitung im Kühlschrank?
Gekühlt hält sich der Salat bis zu zwei Stunden frisch, danach sollte er angerichtet werden.
- → Kann man das Dressing variieren?
Ja, mit zusätzlichen Kräutern oder einem Spritzer Honig lässt sich das Dressing anpassen.
- → Welche Beilagen passen dazu?
Ein leichter Weißwein oder ein frischer Rosé ergänzen die Aromen hervorragend.