Antipasto Grain Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines hearty grains like farro, quinoa, or barley with classic antipasto ingredients such as olives, artichokes, roasted peppers, salami, and cheese. Tossed with a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is a perfect mix of textures and flavors—earthy grains, briny olives, savory meats, and creamy cheese. It’s a wonderful option for meal prep, picnics, or a flavorful side dish at any gathering.
I first made Antipasto Grain Salad when I wanted a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired salad that was both filling and fresh. The combination of chewy grains with the briny olives and savory salami gave it such depth of flavor, while the tangy dressing brought it all together. The addition of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, added a rich and creamy touch that balanced the other ingredients perfectly.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can swap out the grains for whatever you prefer, like quinoa for a gluten-free option or farro for a chewier texture. You can also adjust the toppings to suit your taste—adding fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, or even chickpeas for extra protein. Antipasto Grain Salad is great on its own or as a side dish for grilled meats, making it a crowd-pleasing and adaptable meal!
Perfect for:
- Casual gatherings
- Potlucks
- Summer picnics
- Vegetarian meals
- Mediterranean cuisine lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Antipasto Grain Salad will become your go-to dish:
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of grains, cheese, and vegetables creates a satisfying meal that won’t leave you hungry.
- Vibrant and Colorful: The medley of ingredients adds a burst of color to your plate, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Bold Mediterranean Flavors: With marinated vegetables, olives, and a zesty dressing, every bite is packed with Mediterranean goodness.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with grains, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, this salad offers a nutritious and wholesome meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the salad with your favorite grains, vegetables, or proteins.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, making it great for preparing in advance for the week.
- Great for Entertaining: The large batch recipe makes it perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable Dressings: You can tweak the dressing to your liking, adjusting the acidity or sweetness to suit your taste.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep, this salad is quick to assemble and full of flavor.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This salad is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting the cheese.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooking time)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup farro or quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella balls or feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Farro or Quinoa: These hearty grains provide a chewy texture and a boost of protein and fiber.
- Kalamata Olives: Their briny flavor adds a salty, savory note to the salad.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Bring a sweet and smoky flavor that balances the tanginess of the dressing.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a refreshing, herbal note that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Grains:
- Prepare the Grains: Cook farro or quinoa according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Fluff the Grains: Once cooled, fluff the grains with a fork to separate them.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion and roasted red peppers.
- Prepare the Olives and Cheese: Slice the olives and cube or crumble the mozzarella or feta cheese.
Make the Dressing:
- Combine the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, chopped vegetables, olives, roasted peppers, and cheese. Add the fresh basil.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve:
- Chill or Serve Immediately: You can serve the salad right away or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Antipasto Grain Salad:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or chickpea salad for a heartier meal.
- For Potlucks or Gatherings: This salad is great for sharing at large gatherings or casual parties.
- With Fresh Bread: Pair with crusty bread or pita for a complete meal.
- For Summer Picnics: The salad is light and refreshing, making it perfect for outdoor meals.
- With a Side of Hummus: Serve with a generous scoop of hummus for extra flavor.
- For Vegetarian Meals: This salad is satisfying on its own, ideal for meatless meals.
- With a Lemon Wedge: Add a squeeze of lemon on top for an extra burst of freshness.
- As a Lunchbox Meal: Pack it up for a nutritious and filling lunch.
- As a Refreshing Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer at a Mediterranean-themed dinner.
Additional Tips
- Customize the Grains: Swap farro for quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for variety.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar or add lemon juice.
- Make it Vegan: Omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Marinate the Veggies: For extra flavor, marinate the vegetables in a bit of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before adding them to the salad.
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Grain Salad: Add artichoke hearts, capers, and a sprinkle of oregano for an even more Mediterranean twist.
- Roasted Veggie Version: Use roasted zucchini, eggplant, and sweet potatoes for a deeper flavor.
- Greek-Style Salad: Replace mozzarella or feta with Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and a little oregano.
- With Grilled Chicken: Top the salad with grilled chicken slices for added protein.
- Pasta Grain Salad: Replace the grains with cooked pasta for a more traditional antipasto salad.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: Swap the dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweeter option.
- Add Avocado: For a creamy texture, add cubed avocado to the salad.
- Spicy Antipasto Salad: Add a few red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- With Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic to the dressing for a more intense flavor.
Special Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the salad ingredients and toss with the dressing.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
- Small Bowl: For preparing the dressing.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the vegetables and cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right proportions for the dressing and salad.
FAQ Section
- Can I use different grains?
Yes, feel free to use quinoa, couscous, or rice as a substitute for farro. - How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for the flavors to meld. - Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, use quinoa or rice as a gluten-free alternative. - Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely, or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. - Can I add meat to the salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, beef bacon, or salami would make excellent additions. - Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Yes, jarred peppers work just as well if fresh ones are unavailable. - What other vegetables can I add?
Roasted eggplant, zucchini, or arugula would all be great additions to this salad. - Can I use dried herbs in the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh, though fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor. - Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best served fresh, as freezing could affect the texture of the vegetables.
Conclusion
Antipasto Grain Salad is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines hearty grains with vibrant, flavorful ingredients like olives, peppers, salami, and cheese. It’s the perfect salad for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side dish at any gathering. With a mix of textures and savory, tangy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit!
The magic of this recipe lies in its balance of hearty grains—like farro, quinoa, or barley—with the briny, savory notes of antipasto ingredients such as marinated artichokes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. A drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs ties everything together, making this salad both satisfying and refreshing. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
I’d love to see your Antipasto Grain Salad creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your vibrant, delicious salads. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made this dish your own with your favorite grains and antipasto ingredients!