So, you've got a big antipasto salad on the table, looking all fancy and colorful (an Italian appetizer of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables).
We need some stellar side dishes to serve with it.
Let's think: breadsticks, anyone? Maybe some crispy garlic bread?
We can't forget about our veggie lovers. Roasted veggies are always a hit.
Think about a platter of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
For those seeking something a bit heartier, how about some cheesy risotto? Or even a bowl of pasta salad?
And for the bold snackers among us, perhaps a few slices of prosciutto or salami on the side could add that extra touch. Let's make it a meal to remember!
Top 12 Side Dishes for Antipasto Salad
Here are our top 12 side dishes to pair with antipasto salad:
1 - Garlic Bread
Caesar salad, it's a classic for a reason. Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and that creamy Caesar dressing.
This side dish complements antipasto salad and pairs well with garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
Add some grilled chicken for protein (about 3-4 ounces per person). Ingredients include lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
It's light, refreshing, and hits all the right notes.
2 - Focaccia
Alright, let's talk focaccia (a yeasted Italian flatbread). We're huge fans of this fluffy, olive oil-soaked bread.
It's all about the texture - crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
We get hits of fragrant rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for mopping up salad dressing.
Ingredients include flour, yeast, olive oil, rosemary, and salt. Super straightforward and delicious.
3 - Marinated Artichoke Hearts
Marinated artichoke hearts are a zesty addition to any antipasto platter (from the thistle family, Cynara cardunculus). We get a nice briny kick from the vinegar, combined with rich olive oil.
The tender texture is a great contrast to crunchy salad veggies.
Ingredients include artichoke hearts, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and spices. They make the whole dish sing!
We personally love adding these to our Mediterranean mixes.
4 - Roasted Red Peppers
So roasted red peppers are a real useful. We love their smoky, sweet flavor.
They're soft and juicy-perfect for adding that extra kick to any antipasto salad and go well with roasted vegetables side ideas.
Ingredients? Simple: red bell peppers, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Our tip? Roast them until they're slightly charred (about 20-30 minutes at 425°F).
It brings out a depth that's unbeatable!
5 - Balsamic Glazed Onions
They're sweet, tangy, and bring a punch of flavor to the table, and complement honey glazed salmon side dishes.
Ingredients? Simple: onions, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and a hint of thyme (try a 2:1 balsamic-to-sugar ratio).
We love how they get all caramelized and sticky. Perfect for improving your salad.
These guys just might steal the show.
6 - Grilled Eggplant Slices
Grilled eggplant slices are a fantastic addition to any antipasto salad (Solanum melongena).
They're simple to prepare with just eggplant, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and pair well with grilled salmon side suggestions.
Brush the slices with olive oil and season. Grill until they're golden and tender.
The result is a smoky, savory treat that improves your meal.
7 - Caprese Skewers
Caprese Skewers, friends! They're like the best bite-sized salad ever.
We're talking cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, and they also pair nicely with caprese chicken side pairings.
Ingredients are simple: tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, glaze.
They're fresh and bright. Tomatoes are sweet and juicy.
Mozzarella is creamy. Basil adds a fantastic aroma (Ocimum basilicum, with sweet, clove-like notes).
These skewers are a breeze to make and perfect for parties.
8 - Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon
Prosciutto-wrapped melon, plain and simple, is a classic combo that's unbeatable (prosciutto is a dry-cured Italian ham). We love the sweet, juicy melon with the salty, savory prosciutto.
The flavors balance each other out perfectly.
Ingredients: slices of cantaloupe or honeydew melon, thin slices of prosciutto.
Wrap melon slices with prosciutto. Done.
The combo is refreshing, perfect for summer.
9 - Parmesan Crisps
Alright, let's talk about Parmesan crisps. These crunchy, cheesy wonders are perfect for adding a pop of savory flavor to your antipasto salad.
Just Parmesan cheese (use aged Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor). That's it.
Grate your Parmesan and bake it until crispy. We love the rich, nutty taste and satisfying crunch.
It's like having cheese and crackers rolled into one amazing bite. Seriously, these are addictive.
10 - Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed grape leaves, also known as dolmas, are a go-to side dish (a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern staple). We love their tangy, herb-packed flavor.
They're rolled perfection! Ingredients include grape leaves, rice, herbs like dill and mint, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
They're a bit briny, a bit citrusy, and oh-so-satisfying. We usually grab a bunch for that extra Mediterranean vibe.
11 - Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
What's fantastic? Rosemary roasted potatoes.
These beauties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
We dig the earthy flavor from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and the mild kick from garlic. The potatoes caramelize, offering a sweet undertone.
Ingredients: baby potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper.
Chat at the table just gets better with these around.
12 - Balsamic Bruschetta
Balsamic bruschetta is a superstar. Crispy toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.
We love how the sweet-tangy balsamic (an aged Italian grape vinegar) perfectly balances the fresh, juicy tomatoes. It's bright and satisfying.
Ingredients: baguette, tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic glaze, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Pro tip: Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. This simple dish always impresses.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
