Learn about the Viral TikTok Antipasto Salad that took the app by storm! I’ll go over all the key points of the drama (aka “Antipasto-gate”), and explain why Antipasto is trending! And of course, I’ll share my delicious Antipasto Salad recipe that the whole neighborhood will love!
A few weeks ago, TikTok user Nicole of @folkmedicineremedies shared a story about 4th of July party that went terribly awry. Her son was invited to a party by his best friend’s mother, named Stasia. Being new to the area, Nicole said she looked forward to meeting some new neighbors. She made a gorgeous antipasto salad to bring to the party (like SERIOUSLY gorgeous).
But when she arrived at the friend’s house, Nicole said she was immediately met with rudeness. The people there demanded to know who she was, and accused her of being rude by not introducing herself. Nicole apologized and said she wasn’t sure whose house it was. Then, Stasia allegedly said in a rude tone, “Exactly”. So Nicole went outside, but was then given the cold shoulder by everyone else there. Eventually, Nicole felt so unwelcome that she decided to leave. (But she left her salad [which she spent $40 on] at the house.)
Nicole said that she had never been treated that way before, and I really empathized with her. Listening to her story took me right back to middle school when I was a “pity invite” to parties. I remember when people did everything they could to avoid me (I was a really awkward child). So, I hate it when people are mean like this. Apparently Nicole and Stasia had texted beforehand, so Stasia knew she was coming. But for some reason she still decided to be rude and unwelcoming anyway.
So, today’s recipe is an homage to Nicole’s gorgeous antipasto salad! And it’s a message to everyone to be kind when you can, wherever you can.
Now on to the Antipasto Salad Recipe…
While Nicole’s Antipasto Salad looked absolutely amazing, I knew I wanted to make my own spin on it. I created a salad that really is a salad, almost similar to one of my dense bean salads or cowboy caviar. The salad has some Italian salumi in it, but you can totally omit that if you’re vegan or vegetarian. Likewise, vegans can omit the cheese in the salad and in the Italian dressing.
This salad came out SO unbelievably good, and I know y’all will love it. I encourage you to share it with a friend or neighbor, and to spread delicious food and goodwill to everyone you know :) Enjoy!
For more delicious Italian-inspired recipes, try my Vegan Italian Grinder Salad, this Eggplant Risotto, or this Green Garlic Bread Dipping Oil (try it with some Italian Ciabatta)!
Antipasto Salad w/ Lots of Greens
Ingredients
Italian Dressing
- 4 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Tsp Honey or more, to taste
- 1/2 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1 Clove Garlic grated
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes optional, to taste
Antipasto Salad
- 2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts drained, about 1 jar
- 3/4 Cup Pitted Castelvetrano Olives in Brine drained
- 3/4 Cup Mozzarella see note
- 1 Cup Salumi of Choice omit if vegan/vegetarian
- 2 1/2 Cups Arugula packed
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Basil packed
- 1 15 oz Can Chickpeas rinsed and drained, about 1 1/2 cups
Instructions
- First, make the vinaigrette by combining all the ingredients together in a bowl. Whisk well until incorporated. Taste, and adjust seasonings to your liking (i.e. add more salt, more herbs, etc.)
- Prep all of your ingredients for the salad. For the heirloom tomatoes, cut them in half and add to a mixing bowl.
- For the artichoke hearts, drain them from their brine and cut into bite-sized chunks.
- For the olives, likewise drain them from their brine, and cut them into halves or quarters (depending on your preference).
- If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized pieces until you have 3/4 of a cup.
- For the salumi (if using), cut it into bite-sized strips.
- For the arugula and basil, chop each finely, so that you can get arugula and basil in every bite.
- For the chickpeas, drain the water from the can, rinse the chickpeas with fresh water, and dry gently with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl, then mix with the vinaigrette. Let it sit for at LEAST 10-15 minutes – it makes a HUGE difference in the flavor. You need to give the ingredients time to mix and get to know each other.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- I used the regular store-bought Kraft parmesan for this recipe – you know, the one you can find on the shelves near the pasta. I don’t usually use this, but I love the fine grain of the parmesan that really lends itself well to dressings. You can of course use freshly-grated parmesan instead!
- I highly recommend tracking down Castelvetrano olives for this recipe – they have the perfect flavor and texture for it. But if not, regular green olives will do the trick!
- At most grocery stores, you can buy a “block” of mozzarella cheese, which is what I used. If you can’t find that, shredded mozz will be delicious too.
- I used heirloom cherry tomatoes for this recipe, but you can use regular ones as well!
- This salad will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- If you want to turn this into a pasta salad, double the dressing amounts and add 1 lb of pasta to the recipe. Mix everything together at the end, and you’ll have a delicious pasta salad!
Nutrition
Antipasto Salad FAQs
How long will this Antipasto Salad keep in the refrigerator?
I would recommend keeping this in the fridge no more than 3-4 days for best freshness.
Who is the Antipasto Salad lady?
The Antipasto Salad lady is Nicole of @folkmedicineremedies on TikTok, who went viral when she related a July 4th party that went awry. She got the name, however, from the gorgeous antipasto salad she brought to the party. And that’s what inspired this recipe!
What is the Antipasto Salad TikTok drama?
I have a fuller description above, but basically, Nicole and her young son showed up to a party, only to receive rudeness and a cold welcome from the guests. According to Nicole, even though she was invited, the hosts acted like she was a stranger and asked her to leave. Nicole had brought an antipasto salad to the party, which she left there when she decided to leave. She’s a better person than me – I would’ve taken my salad and ditched!
What’s on an Antipasto Salad? What is antipasto made of? And what are the main ingredients used on an Italian antipasto platter?
An antipasto salad usually includes a mix of cured meats like salami or prosciutto, marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts, olives, and cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. It’s sometimes served on a bed of greens (but not always), and either drizzled with olive oil and vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
What kind of cheese is used in antipasto?
Mozzarella can usually be found on antipasto platters, because it’s such a staple in Italian cuisine. Mozzarella is easily sliced, so it’s easy to layer it in between other elements like salami or tomatoes. I’ve also used mozz in this salad! Sometimes, though, you can find other Italian cheese like fontina, burrata, or parmesan.
What is the difference between antipasto and antipasti salad?
It’s just a grammatical difference – “antipasto” refers to a singular platter of appetizers, while “antipasti” is the plural form.
What is Italy’s typical antipasto?
Italy’s typical antipasto varies widely by region, but many common versions include prosciutto di Parma or cured meats, fresh mozzarella or burrata, grilled vegetables, and marinated artichokes or olives. In areas by the coast, they often have seafood-based antipasti with octopus salad or anchovies in oil. In northern regions (especially nearer to Austria or Switzerland), they can have heartier additions like speck, alpine cheeses, or mushroom spreads.
P.S.
For more plant-forward recipes, dinner parties, and New England lifestyle inspiration, be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok! If you make a recipe, please tag me in the photo and use the hashtag #wellandfull so I can see! I love seeing your creations!
Leave a Reply