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Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthful benefits. This culinary tradition draws from the rich landscapes and diverse cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a unique blend of tastes that are both satisfying and nourishing. Central to this cuisine is the abundant use of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, all of which contribute to its reputation as one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Antipasto Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Mediterranean Delight Antipasto Salad recipe. This refreshing dish combines marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a delightful taste experience. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for family meals, picnics, or festive gatherings. Packed with nutrients and bursting with color, this salad is not just a meal—it's a celebration of healthy eating and culinary creativity. Enjoy every bite!

Ingredients
  

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced

1 cup salami, cut into thin strips

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

½ cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh arugula or mixed greens (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. For canned or jarred items like the artichokes and olives, ensure they are thoroughly drained and rinsed. Chop or cut the ingredients into bite-sized pieces to facilitate easy serving and consumption.

    Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

      Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped marinated artichokes, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sliced roasted red peppers, salami strips, halved mozzarella balls, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution.

        Dress the Salad: Pour your prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Using a spatula or tongs, toss gently but thoroughly until every component is well-coated with the dressing, enhancing the flavors throughout.

          Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Carefully fold in the torn basil leaves into the salad mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without bruising them too much, which helps maintain their fresh flavor.

            Serve: On a large serving platter or individual plates, create a base layer using fresh arugula or mixed greens. Spoon the antipasto salad mixture generously on top of the greens, allowing the vibrant colors to show.

              Garnish and Enjoy: If desired, drizzle any leftover dressing over the salad for an added flavor boost. Finish by adorning the salad with a few extra basil leaves for a touch of elegance. Serve and enjoy this refreshing and robust dish as a delightful starter or a satisfying main course!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings