Italian Antipasto Salad Easy No Cook Meal for Lunch or Dinner

Name: Italian Antipasto Salad
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bag (9 oz) romaine lettuce; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, drained; 12 oz marinated artichokes in oil, drained; 8 oz fire roasted red peppers, drained; 8 oz kalamata olives, drained; 2 oz pepperoni; 2 oz salami; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, slivered; 1/3 cup oil and vinegar dressing (store bought or homemade)

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 10, 2026

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Antipasto Salad Keto Recipe

If you are looking for a quick, no cook meal that feels like a treat, this Italian Antipasto Salad is exactly what you need. It takes the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter and turns them into a refreshing, low carb salad that works for lunch or dinner. In Italy, antipasto means “before the meal,” but we love serving this hearty version as a main course. It is loaded with pepperoni, salami, fresh mozzarella, marinated artichokes, fire roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all on a bed of romaine lettuce. A simple oil and vinegar dressing ties everything together. Prep takes about 15 minutes, and the salad serves 6. For the best flavor, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also serve it as a side dish for parties or BBQs, and it pairs wonderfully with Low Carb Caprese Salad for a full Italian inspired spread.

Why This Recipe Works

No cooking required. Just dump, drain, assemble, chill, and enjoy. Perfect for hot summer days or busy weeknights when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
Fully customizable. Swap in your favorite cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Make it your own every time.
Two serving options. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a salad, or skip the lettuce and arrange the ingredients on a platter for an impressive antipasto board.
Scales easily. The recipe serves 6, but you can halve it for a smaller group or double it for a crowd.
Keto and gluten free. With only 7 net carbs per serving and no pasta or croutons, it fits perfectly into a low carb lifestyle.

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Ingredient Notes

Here is everything you need to make this keto antipasto salad. All ingredients are easy to find at any US grocery store.

1 bag (9 oz) romaine lettuce
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, drained
12 oz marinated artichokes in oil, drained
8 oz fire roasted red peppers, drained
8 oz kalamata olives, drained
2 oz pepperoni
2 oz salami
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, slivered
1/3 cup oil and vinegar dressing (store bought or homemade)

There is no cooking involved, just prep work. A note about carbs: the brands we used (Trader Joe’s) show zero carbs for pepperoni, olives, and mozzarella, and the artichoke hearts have less than 1 carb per serving. Always check the labels on your own ingredients to stay within your macros.

Recipe Steps

This salad comes together in minutes, but we recommend making it ahead so the flavors have time to blend. Here is how to prep and assemble it.

Prep the Ingredients

Chop the romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces.
Cut the fire roasted red peppers into thin strips.
Halve the artichoke hearts if they are large.
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Drain the liquid from the peppers, mozzarella balls, artichoke hearts, and olives well.

Assemble the Salad

Spread the chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl or on a platter.
Arrange the pepperoni, salami, mozzarella balls, artichokes, roasted peppers, olives, and cherry tomatoes in groups on top of the lettuce.
Drizzle evenly with the oil and vinegar dressing.
Garnish with slivered fresh basil leaves.
For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Serves 6.

Recipe Tips

Add pepperoncini. These provide a mild heat and tangy acidity that brightens the whole salad.
Use homemade dressing. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a little Dijon mustard for a fresher taste.
Skip the lettuce. Omit the romaine and arrange everything on a large platter for a classic antipasto platter that is perfect for parties.
Top with fresh Parmesan. Shave some Parmesan over the finished salad for an extra savory note.
Portion it out. Make 4 to 6 individual servings in jars or containers for easy grab, and go lunches.

Making This a Vegetarian or Vegan Antipasto Salad

Traditional antipasto is built around meat and cheese, but it is easy to adapt. For a vegetarian version, replace the pepperoni and salami with extra marinated artichokes, grilled mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. You can also add garbanzo beans for protein, though note that they are not low carb. For a vegan version, swap the mozzarella for plant based cheese or omit it entirely. The salad will still be packed with bold Italian flavors.

Common Questions

What is Italian antipasto salad?

Italian antipasto salad is a cold salad inspired by traditional antipasto platters. It includes cured meats, cheese, olives, vegetables, and a tangy Italian vinaigrette, served as a starter or light main dish.

How do you make an authentic Italian antipasto salad?

Combine mixed greens, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, pepperoncini, black olives, and artichoke hearts. Toss with a dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard.

Is antipasto salad keto friendly?

Yes, it is naturally low in carbs. It avoids pasta and starchy ingredients, relying on low carb vegetables, high fat meats, and cheese, making it suitable for keto and low carb diets.

Can you make antipasto salad vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the meats and add extra roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, and chickpeas for protein. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying.

How do you store leftover antipasto salad?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to prevent sogginess. The flavors often improve overnight.

What are common substitutions in antipasto salad?

Swap salami for turkey or vegetarian deli slices. Use fresh mozzarella pearls instead of provolone. Replace olives with capers for a different briny flavor. For gluten free, avoid croutons or pasta and check dressing ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Italian antipasto salad?

How do you make an authentic Italian antipasto salad?

Can you make antipasto salad vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the meats and add extra roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, and chickpeas for protein. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying.

How many carbs are in a typical antipasto salad?

A serving of antipasto salad without pasta or croutons usually contains 5 to 10 grams of net carbs, depending on the vegetables and dressing. Our version has 7 net carbs per serving.

Italian Antipasto Salad Easy No Cook Meal for Lunch or Dinner