Name: What To Serve With Antipasto Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 portion antipasto salad

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your antipasto salad, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for antipasto salad.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with antipasto salad are chicken parmigiana, Italian turkey meatballs, fresh herb focaccia bread, cheese tortellini, and parmesan risotto. You can also serve grissini, penne alla vodka, or Italian beef sandwiches. For a surf-and-turf twist, go with cilantro lime shrimp.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Parmesan risotto

This parmesan risotto is an excellent filling side to serve with your antipasto salad.

The key to a perfect risotto lies in the stirring technique. You need to stir slowly but consistently.

This helps release the starches in the arborio rice, giving you that iconic luscious texture.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a simple base that you can easily add extra flavors into.

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Parmesan risotto
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Cauliflower risotto
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Arancini

Cheese tortellini

You can get ready-to-eat tortellini at your local grocery, but making them from scratch is fun and will really impress your guests.

You’ll need to make your own pasta, but don’t be intimidated. Making it is easier than you think.

All you need are eggs, flour, and some elbow grease.

I like to toss the tortellini in the salad, but you can keep the two separate if you prefer.

Why we love this recipe: you can pick the filling.

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Cheese tortellini
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Ricotta gnocchi
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Fried ravioli

Chicken parmigiana

Classic chicken parmigiana traditionally uses regular breadcrumbs or panko to achieve that crunchy bite.

But if you want to switch things up, go with this recipe’s homemade Italian breadcrumbs.

They’re seasoned with dried Italian herbs and parmesan cheese, making your chicken even tastier (if that’s possible).

Pair the chicken with an antipasto salad for a delicious Italian feast.

Why we love this recipe: kids and adults will love it equally.

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Authentic chicken parmigiana
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Baked cauliflower parmesan
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Parmesan crusted chicken

Caramelized mushrooms arugula pizza

Skip the takeout and elevate your pizza nights with this homemade mushroom arugula pizza.

The umami-loaded mushrooms and the fresh, peppery arugula are the perfect contrast to salty, creamy mozzarella and goat’s cheese.

All you need to complete the meal is a side of antipasto salad.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a grown up twist on a classic treat.

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Caramelized mushroom arugula pizza
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Fig jam prosciutto pizza
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Cauliflower pizza

Twice-baked potatoes

These twice-baked potatoes may not be a traditional accompaniment to antipasto salad, but it’s a pairing that makes sense.

Each spud is loaded with a buttery, cheesy filling that works well with an antipasto salad’s fresh veggies and deli meat.

Pro-tip: avoid over-mixing the potato filling to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Why we love this recipe: it transforms a simple ingredient into something delicious.

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Twice-baked potatoes
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Scalloped potatoes
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Loaded mashed potato balls

Prosciutto-wrapped grissini

Grissini sticks are Italian-style breadsticks. They’re longer, thinner, and crispier than standard breadsticks.

And they’ll bring a much-needed crunchy texture to your meal.

Wrapping them in prosciutto is optional but won’t seem out of place when you’re serving them with an antipasto salad.

Why we love this recipe: it’s simple but elegant.

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Prosciutto-wrapped grissini
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Spicy parmesan and herb grissini
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Prosciutto and brie twists

Grilled cilantro lime shrimp

Transform your antipasto salad into a fancy surf-and-turf salad with the addition of some cilantro lime shrimp.

The shrimp will need 15 minutes to soak up all the bright, zesty goodness from the marinade, then they’re ready for grilling.

Psst… don’t leave them soaking longer than 20 minutes, or they’ll turn into mush!

Why we love this recipe: it will add a tropical flair to your meal.

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Grilled cilantro lime shrimp
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Baked eggplant rollatini

Rollatini involves rolling thin eggplant slices up with a ricotta and herb filling.

These rolls are then baked with a rich tomato sauce, giving you a cozy dish reminiscent of lasagna sans the carby pasta sheets.

Indulge guilt-free with a serving of eggplant rollatini and antipasto salad.

Why we love this recipe: it’s a great vegetarian-friendly main.

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Baked eggplant rollatini
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Italian-stuffed eggplant
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Spicy pesto and cheese-stuffed involtini

Fresh herb focaccia bread

You don’t need any special equipment to make focaccia, and you don’t have to do any kneading either!

You will need some patience though because the dough needs to rest for at least 18 hours.

It’ll be worth the wait once you take a bite of the golden, crispy crust and airy bread.

Why we love this recipe: baking this will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

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Fresh herb focaccia bread
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Ciabatta bread
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Cheesy garlic bread

Penne alla vodka

Can’t decide between creamy or tomato-based pasta?

Get the best of both worlds with penne alla vodka.

And don’t worry about adding vodka.

The alcohol will cook off, leaving you a hint of heat and a sharp taste that helps balance out the rich tomato and cream flavors.

Why we love this recipe: it can be on the table in 20 minutes.

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Penne alla vodka
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Pesto pasta
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Italian turkey meatballs

Want to make your usual Italian meatballs healthier? Skip the beef and use ground turkey instead.

You’ll still get deliciously juicy meatballs, just lighter.

You can use them in the salad, or try serving them over zucchini noodles and a side of antipasto salad.

Why we love this recipe: they’re great for meal prepping.

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Italian turkey meatballs
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Baked meatballs
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Vegan black bean meatballs

Instant pot Italian beef sandwich

Tender Italian beef usually takes hours to achieve, but with an Instant Pot, it’ll be ready to serve in just one hour.

You want to pick a cut of meat with good marbling and fat (like chuck roast or shoulder). And don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce.

It adds an irresistible hit of umami.

Why we love this recipe: it’s ideal for potlucks and parties.

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Instant pot Italian beef sandwich
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Philly cheesesteak sandwich
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Sloppy joes

Harissa roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas make a great protein-filled crunchy addition to salads.

You can season them however you want, but this recipe uses smoky harissa and a pinch of salt.

Pro tip: dry the chickpeas as much as possible before roasting them. This will help them crisp up and help the seasoning stick better.

Why we love this recipe: they’re great for snacking on too.

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Harissa roasted chickpeas
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Parmesan roasted chickpeas
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Tamari-roasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds

The best side dishes to serve with antipasto salad

Parmesan risotto
Cheese tortellini
Chicken parmigiana
Caramelized mushrooms arugula pizza
Twice-baked potatoes
Prosciutto-wrapped grissini
Grilled cilantro lime shrimp
Baked eggplant rollatini
Fresh herb focaccia bread
Penne alla vodka
Italian turkey meatballs
Instant pot Italian beef sandwich
Harissa roasted chickpeas