Mediterranean Vegetable Antipasto Salad

 

Certainly! A Mediterranean Antipasto Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that typically includes a variety of ingredients inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a detailed recipe for you:

▎Ingredients

▎Salad Base

• Mixed Greens: 4 cups (e.g., arugula, spinach, or romaine)

• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved

• Cucumber: 1 medium, diced

• Red Onion: 1/4 medium, thinly sliced

• Bell Peppers: 1 cup, diced (use a mix of colors)

▎Antipasto Ingredients

• Olives: 1 cup (a mix of Kalamata and green olives is great)

• Artichoke Hearts: 1 can (about 14 oz), drained and quartered

• Roasted Red Peppers: 1 jar (about 12 oz), sliced

• Salami or Prosciutto: 6 oz, sliced or chopped

• Cheese: 4 oz (e.g., feta, mozzarella balls, or provolone), cubed or crumbled

▎Dressing

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup

• Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons

• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon

• Garlic: 1 clove, minced

• Oregano: 1 teaspoon (dried)

• Salt and Pepper: to taste

▎Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base:

   • In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell peppers.

2. Add Antipasto Ingredients:

   • Gently fold in the olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, salami or prosciutto, and cheese.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs well with crusty bread or grilled meats.

▎Tips

• Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients like avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, or different types of cheese.

• For added flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld.

• This salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Antipasto Salad!