Cheese Choices For Antipasto Salads

Antipasto salad is a traditional Italian salad, often served as the first course during a meal. It typically includes slices of meat, various vegetables, olives, and mushrooms tossed in a light oil or vinegar dressing. While there are many variations, the most common types of cheese used in an antipasto salad are provolone and mozzarella.

Mozzarella

When using mozzarella in an antipasto salad, it is best to use fresh mozzarella cheese or mozzarella pearls/balls. These varieties tend to have a softer texture and a milder flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients in the salad. You can usually find these types of mozzarella in most grocery stores.

• Tomatoes: The freshness of mozzarella pairs nicely with the bright, juicy flavours of tomatoes.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves add an extra layer of flavour to the salad and complement the mozzarella cheese.
• Salami: The savoury, salty flavour of salami contrasts nicely with the mildness of mozzarella.
• Artichoke hearts: The tangy, marinated artichoke hearts provide a nice contrast to the creamy mozzarella.
• Olives: Briny olives, such as Kalamata or green olives, pair well with the mildness of mozzarella.

When assembling an antipasto salad with mozzarella, simply cut the cheese into bite-sized pieces or use the smaller mozzarella pearls. Combine the cheese with the other ingredients in a large bowl, and then drizzle with your choice of dressing. Antipasto salads can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator until serving.

Provolone

When preparing an antipasto salad with provolone, it is best to cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes. This allows for more than one taste in each bite and ensures the perfect fork-to-mouth size.

Salami

When adding salami to an antipasto salad, it is important to slice it thinly and bite-sized to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients. Salami is a versatile ingredient, and you can choose from a variety of options, including Genoa, cotto, Finocchiona, hard salami, or even pepperoni. Salami is also a key ingredient in an antipasto platter, where it is typically served alongside other cured meats, cheeses, olives, and bread.

The amount of salami used in an antipasto salad can vary depending on personal preference and the desired ratio of meat to other ingredients. A typical serving size for salami in an antipasto salad is around 1/2 cup to 1 cup, but this can be adjusted to taste.

In addition to salami, an antipasto salad often includes a variety of cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, or fresh mozzarella balls. The salad also usually features olives, such as kalamata, green, or black olives, and marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini peppers.

To make an antipasto salad, simply chop and slice the ingredients into bite-sized pieces and toss them together in a large bowl. The salad can be served as-is or on a bed of lettuce or romaine hearts. A simple Italian dressing, typically made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning, can be drizzled over the salad to enhance the flavours.

Antipasto salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. It is a great option for a potluck or picnic, as it does not contain any salad greens that can wilt easily. The salad can also be customised to personal preferences, with various meat, cheese, and vegetable options to choose from.

Artichoke hearts

Once the artichoke hearts are prepared, they can be boiled until fork-tender. After boiling, drain the artichokes and add them to your antipasto salad. They can also be sautéed in herb butter for a more intense flavour.

Olives

When preparing olives for an antipasto salad, you should pit and chop them. The amount of olives used in an antipasto salad can vary depending on the recipe and your personal preference. Some recipes call for equal amounts of Kalamata and green olives, such as 1/2 cup of each, while others may use more or less. Generally, the amount of olives used can range from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup or more.

Overall, olives are an essential component of an antipasto salad, providing a distinct flavour that complements the other ingredients. By choosing your favourite olive varieties and adjusting the amount to suit your taste, you can create a delicious and customised antipasto salad.

Frequently asked questions