Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that comes together quickly, making it the perfect solution for satisfying even the biggest appetites, especially during warm weather gatherings.

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Sean’s Irresistible Antipasto Pasta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Recipe

Hello, wonderful friends! As the seasons shift and the days grow longer, there’s an undeniable buzz in the air. The vibrant energy of spring is truly setting the stage for a spectacular summer, and after a glorious Mother’s Day weekend, I’m feeling refreshed and incredibly optimistic. I hope your weekend was equally filled with joy, perhaps a little rest, and, most importantly, some truly delicious food!

My own Mother’s Day was absolutely enchanting. The sun, finally deciding to grace us with its brilliant presence on Sunday, added an extra layer of magic to the celebration. There’s nothing quite like a sun-drenched morning at the Jersey Shore, especially when it begins with a delightful breakfast at my beloved Fishin’ Pier Grille. The combination of fresh ocean air and a satisfying meal made the day truly spectacular.

The energy down at the beach this past weekend was simply infectious! Everywhere you looked, people were buzzing with activity, getting ready for the warmer months. Businesses were sprucing up, homes were being prepped, and boats were being readied for their maiden voyages of the season. The blooming flowers added splashes of color, boats are gradually filling the marinas, and our charming town is truly coming alive once more. I’m already eagerly counting down the days until Memorial Day, marking the unofficial start of summer! Are you as excited as I am?

Introducing Your New Go-To Summer Dish: Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad

Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that embodies everything I love about summer: Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad. This dish isn’t just a summer favorite; it holds a special place in my heart, named after my oldest son, Sean. When Sean was growing up, this vibrant pasta salad became a staple throughout his summer breaks. It was his ultimate lunch companion, perfect for fueling him during his summer jobs, offering a hearty and refreshing meal that kept him going.

Sean’s love for a classic Italian hoagie is legendary – I honestly don’t think anyone loves them more than he does! So, the inspiration for this pasta salad was clear: create a delicious twist on his favorite sandwich, incorporating all those beloved hoagie ingredients into a convenient, delightful pasta salad format. It was an instant hit, quickly becoming a regular and much-anticipated item in our family’s lunch rotation. Its versatility and satisfying flavors make it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual family meals to festive gatherings.

Effortless Preparation for Maximum Flavor

While most pasta salads are generally straightforward to prepare, this Antipasto Pasta Salad truly sets itself apart with its incredible ease. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up without breaking a sweat, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish in a pinch. The process is wonderfully simple: begin by boiling your favorite pasta until al dente, then toss it with a delightful medley of cubed hard salami, flavorful capicola ham, and creamy smoked provolone. These classic deli meats and cheese form the savory heart of the salad, providing that authentic Italian deli experience.

For optimal results and to truly elevate the flavors, I always ask the friendly folks at the deli counter to slice the cold cuts and cheese approximately ½ inch thick. This ensures that when you cube them, each piece is substantial enough to hold its own among the pasta and vegetables, offering a satisfying bite in every forkful. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While Sean’s ultimate hoagie toppings include roasted red peppers, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp red onion, and tangy banana peppers, I wholeheartedly encourage you to customize it with your own preferred additions. Think black olives, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella balls, or even some pepperoncini for an extra kick! The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the salad to your family’s tastes.

Once all your delicious components are combined, a generous toss with your favorite zesty Italian dressing brings everything together in a harmonious burst of flavor. It’s that simple! This effortless combination creates a vibrant, satisfying Antipasto Pasta Salad that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. I sincerely hope that what started as Sean’s favorite will quickly become your family’s favorite too. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Why This Antipasto Pasta Salad is a Summer Essential

Beyond its simple preparation, Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad is a true summer essential for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it hours, or even a day, in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. This makes it a stress-free option for picnics, beach trips, backyard BBQs, and potlucks, freeing you up to enjoy your guests and the sunshine.

Secondly, it’s incredibly portable. Pack it in an airtight container, and you have a wholesome, delicious lunch ready to go, whether you’re heading to work, enjoying a day outdoors, or simply need a quick and easy meal at home. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional sandwiches, offering a more dynamic range of textures and tastes.

Finally, the ingredients themselves are perfect for summer. Fresh grape tomatoes burst with flavor, roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky depth, and the zesty dressing provides a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the deli meats and cheese. It’s a balanced meal that feels light yet satisfying, making it ideal for warmer temperatures when heavy meals are less appealing. This salad truly captures the spirit of relaxed summer dining.

Tips for the Perfect Antipasto Pasta Salad

Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While penne is excellent, other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully too. Their nooks and crannies are great for holding the dressing and smaller ingredients.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key! Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well in a cold salad. Rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this salad highlights deli meats and cheese, opt for good quality selections from your local deli. The flavor truly makes a difference.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content: Don’t be afraid to experiment with other antipasto items. Marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, cubes of fresh mozzarella, or even thinly sliced cucumber can be fantastic additions.
Dress Generously, But Taste First: Start with the recommended amount of Italian dressing, then taste and add more if needed. You want the salad to be well-coated but not swimming in dressing.
Chill Time is Crucial: Allow at least 1-2 hours for the salad to chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to fully absorb the dressing, resulting in a much more flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions: This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also makes a superb side dish for grilled chicken, burgers, or fish. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Recipe: Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad

Sean’s Antipasto Pasta Salad

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Servings: 8-10 servings

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Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
2 cups hard salami, cubed
2 cups capicola ham, cubed
2 cups sharp provolone, cubed
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
1 cup banana pepper rings
1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
3/4 cup red onion, sliced and roughly chopped
1 cup zesty Italian dressing

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Place drained and cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add salami, capicola ham, sharp provolone, tomatoes, banana pepper rings, roasted peppers, and red onion. Toss generously with Italian dressing.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Just before serving, give the salad another good toss. Add more dressing if needed to achieve your desired moisture level. Serve chilled.

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Be sure to follow The Beach House Kitchen on Instagram and mention @thebeachhousekitchen or tag #thebeachhousekitchen!

And speaking of exciting things, I’m so eager to share a very special cocktail recipe here on the blog this Thursday! It’s been a little while since I’ve introduced a new drink, and I can confidently say this one is destined to be a summer winner. My inspiration for this delightful concoction came from a truly memorable cocktail Tom and I enjoyed while visiting Sean in Charleston last Thanksgiving. I’ve been holding onto this secret, waiting for the absolute perfect moment to unveil it, and with summer fast approaching, now is that time!

You truly won’t want to miss it. I hope to see you back at The Beach House Kitchen this Thursday for what promises to be your new favorite summer sip!