Antipasto Salad is absolutely wonderful. This spectacular Greek-type salad uses tomatoes, mozzarella, avocados, artichokes, fire-roasted red peppers, olives and pepperocinis. The salad dressing is some of the best ever. This gluten free recipe is terrific for company or holiday dinners, especially Easter, Mother's Day or Father's Day. Everyone will want seconds.
1 large salad bowl or extra large serving platter or plate
1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
1 small mixing bowl
1 mason jar with lid to store salad dressing
measuring cups
measuring spoons
Ingredients
SALAD:
6roma tomatoessliced
1cupMozzarella cubes or 6-8 mozzarella cheese sticks cut in ¾” pieces
3avocadospeeled, pitted and sliced
1/4cuplemon juice
14oz. jarartichoke heartsquartered and drained
12oz. jarfire-roasted peppersdrained
3/4cupkalamata olivespitted, or ripe olives pitted
1 to 1 1/2cupswhole pepperocinisdrained
GREEK SALAD DRESSING:
1/2cupolive oil
1/2cupred wine vinegar
1tsp.garlic powder
1tsp.dried oregano
1tsp.dried basil
1tsp.Italian seasoning
1tsp.dried parsley
1/2tsp.ground black pepper
1tsp.granulated sugar
Instructions
SALAD:
Wash Roma tomatoes.
Slice down in ¼” slices.
Layer in a large salad bowl.
Slice 6-8 mozzarella cheese sticks ¾” pieces – about 5 cuts per stick (or use mozzarella cubes).
Layer on top of tomatoes.
Cut avocados in half lengthwise.
Remove pit, peel and discard.
Slice in ¼” to ½” slices.
Swish avocados in lemon juice to help prevent discoloration.
Place avocados over top of cheese.
Drain artichokes, fire-roasted peppers, olives, and pepperocinis.
Pat down each slightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding to salad.
Prepare salad dressing and pour over top of veggies.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Toss to coat all the vegetables before serving.
GREEK SALAD DRESSING:
Combine all ingredients and pour over top of salad ingredients.
Stir to combine.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
NOTE: Because avocados decompose quickly, this salad is only good for about 24 hours. Make only what you can eat for one meal or to snack on that day.
NOTE: For a more substantial and crunchy salad consider spooning the salad over top of romaine lettuce and adding a serving of grilled chicken, a spoonful of pine nuts, and a spoonful of chick peas over the top.
NOTE: You can also place all the ingredients on a serving platter and serve from the serving platter after drizzling salad dressing over top.