Antipasto Platter: A Festive Italian Appetizer

An Antipasto Platter is the ultimate appetizer for any Italian-themed meal, party, or gathering. This colorful and flavorful dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It combines a variety of savory ingredients like cheese, olives, meats, and fresh vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty Italian vinaigrette dressing. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free party appetizer.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make the perfect Antipasto Platter, from the ingredients to the assembly, along with tips for storage and customization.

For more inspiration on appetizers and Italian dishes, check out these easy antipasto ideas and Italian starters.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

An Antipasto Platter is versatile and can be customized to fit your preferences, but the following ingredients form the foundation of a traditional antipasto.

Antipasto Platter Recipe: A Flavorful Italian Appetizer

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An easy and colorful Antipasto Platter that’s perfect for parties or as a starter for any Italian-inspired meal. This platter combines an array of savory ingredients like pepperoncini, olives, pepperoni, provolone cheese, and fresh vegetables, all dressed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. A crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 jar (24 ounces) pepperoncini, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups halved fresh mushrooms
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 pound provolone cheese, cubed
• 1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained
• 1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
• 1 bottle (8 ounces) Italian vinaigrette dressing
• Lettuce leaves (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the platter: Arrange a large platter or serving tray. Lay down a base of fresh lettuce leaves to create a colorful foundation for the antipasto ingredients.
2. Assemble the ingredients: Begin by arranging the pepperoncini, garbanzo beans, fresh mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and provolone cheese in separate sections on the platter.
3. Add the pepperoni and olives: Place the sliced pepperoni and pitted olives in additional sections of the platter, ensuring each ingredient is easy to grab.
4. Dress the antipasto: Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette dressing evenly over the entire platter or serve the dressing on the side for guests to drizzle as they like.
5. Serve: Serve the platter immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• Feel free to customize this antipasto platter with your favorite ingredients such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar.
• You can also swap the Italian vinaigrette dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette or a homemade dressing for added flavor.
• This platter is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours if needed. If refrigerating, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Assembling
• Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the platter
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Antipasto Platter Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by draining the pepperoncini and olives. Rinse and drain the garbanzo beans (chickpeas) as well. Slice the mushrooms and halved cherry tomatoes, and cube the provolone cheese.
2. Assemble the Platter: Lay down a bed of lettuce leaves on a large platter or serving tray. This will act as the base for your antipasto ingredients and give the platter a beautiful green backdrop.
3. Arrange the Ingredients: Arrange the pepperoncini, chickpeas, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, provolone cubes, olives, and sliced pepperoni in groups or sections around the platter. You can create patterns or simply scatter them in a casual, rustic style. The goal is to have a variety of colors and textures on display.
4. Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the Italian vinaigrette dressing over the ingredients, or alternatively, serve the dressing on the side for guests to drizzle on their own portions. If you prefer, you can also marinate some of the ingredients in the dressing beforehand for added flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy: The platter is ready to be served! This Antipasto Platter pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or even as a topping for salads.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe is simple and delicious, there are ways to elevate your Antipasto Platter for a more gourmet experience.

Add Charcuterie

To make your platter even more indulgent, consider adding a selection of charcuterie like salami, prosciutto, or capicola. These rich, flavorful meats pair beautifully with the provolone cheese and other ingredients.

Incorporate Pickled Vegetables

For extra depth of flavor, include a variety of pickled vegetables such as marinated artichoke hearts, olives, or even pickled onions. Their tanginess adds a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.

Make Homemade Vinaigrette

Instead of using store-bought Italian dressing, make your own vinaigrette by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, and Italian herbs. A fresh homemade dressing will give your platter an extra touch of authenticity.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Since an Antipasto Platter is typically served cold and made with ingredients that don’t require cooking, it’s easy to store and maintain.

How to Store Leftovers

Any leftover antipasto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve already drizzled the dressing, the ingredients may soften a little, but the flavors will continue to meld and improve over time.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the platter a day in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients (except the lettuce and dressing) on the platter, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, add the lettuce, drizzle the dressing, and enjoy!

Freezing Leftovers

Freezing an Antipasto Platter is not recommended due to the delicate nature of the ingredients, such as the cheese, vegetables, and meats. It can alter their textures and flavors. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, this Antipasto Platter can be easily customized.

Vegan Version

For a vegan version, simply omit the provolone cheese and pepperoni. You can substitute with vegan cheese and plant-based deli slices for a similar flavor and texture. Additionally, marinated tofu or roasted vegetables can be added for protein.

Gluten-Free Version

This platter is naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are needed. Just be sure that any additional items you add, such as crackers, are gluten-free.

Low-Carb Version

To make this platter low-carb, focus on the vegetables, olives, and cheese while skipping any carb-heavy items like bread or crackers. You can also add more protein with a selection of nuts or seeds.

FAQs About Antipasto Platter

1. Can I substitute other cheeses for provolone?

Yes! You can substitute provolone with other semi-soft cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda. Feta and goat cheese also work well for a tangy alternative.

2. Can I serve the Antipasto Platter warm?

While traditionally served cold, you can warm the pepperoni or add warm marinated vegetables to the platter for a different experience. However, it’s best served chilled to retain the fresh flavors.

3. How do I make this platter more filling?

To turn your Antipasto Platter into a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or other proteins. You can also add a variety of bread or crackers on the side for a more filling option.

4. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned chickpeas?

If you have cooked fresh chickpeas, you can use them instead of canned. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the platter.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this platter?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as roasted red peppers, cucumbers, or marinated artichokes for added color and flavor.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

An Antipasto Platter is a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings a variety of textures and flavors to the table. With its combination of savory meats, tangy olives, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese, it’s the perfect appetizer to kick off any Italian-inspired meal or social gathering.

The best part of an antipasto platter is how customizable it is. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a smaller platter for yourself, feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. With a few simple additions or substitutions, this platter can easily fit various dietary needs and flavor profiles.

So, gather your favorite antipasto ingredients and create a platter that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!