Antipasto Salad
Romaine is loaded with prosciutto, salami or pepperoni, artichokes, olives and pickled peppers, then tossed with Italian dressing.
What It Is
Romaine is loaded with prosciutto, salami or pepperoni, artichokes, olives and pickled peppers, then tossed with Italian dressing.
Origin
Antipasto is Italian for the course served before the meal; this version turns those familiar flavours into a full salad.
Fun Fact
Aroma changes how strongly we perceive flavour, which is why herbs, citrus peel and warm spices can make a simple recipe taste far more complicated than the effort involved.
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine, chopped
- 4 oz prosciutto
- 4 oz salami or pepperoni
- ½ cup artichoke hearts
- ½ cup mixed olives
- ½ cup pickled or roasted peppers
- Italian dressing, to taste
Steps
- Combine romaine, cured meats, artichokes, olives and peppers in a large bowl.
- Toss with Italian dressing to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Taste before the final adjustment. A recipe should guide dinner, not bully it. If it needs a little more acid, sweetness, salt or heat, make the change in small steps instead of launching the whole spice rack into orbit.
Substitutions
Use equivalent ingredients where needed for allergies or availability, but keep the main sweet/sour/salty/spicy balance intact. This is cooking, not a hostage negotiation.
Storage
Keep the dressing separate and refrigerate the salad components for up to 2 days. Add dressing right before serving unless wilted romaine is part of your artistic vision.
Freezing
Freeze cooked components in airtight meal-sized portions for up to 2–3 months where practical. Fresh vegetables, dairy sauces and crunchy toppings are usually better added after thawing.