Antipasto Chickpea Salad Mix (Printable View)

Hearty chickpeas, creamy mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh veggies in a bright Italian dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Beans and Cheese

01 - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 cup (5.3 oz) mozzarella pearls, drained

→ Meats

03 - 3 oz pepperoni, sliced or quartered

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup (5.3 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup (2.8 oz) roasted red peppers, sliced
06 - 1/2 cup (2.1 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, chopped
07 - 1/3 cup (1.8 oz) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
08 - 1/4 cup (1.1 oz) red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1/4 cup (0.35 oz) fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
11 - 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 - 1/4 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make:

01 - In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, mozzarella pearls, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, red onion, and basil.
02 - Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until well emulsified.
03 - Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to evenly coat.
04 - Taste salad and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Chill salad for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld, if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes with no cooking required, perfect when youre already tired.
  • Every bite delivers that salty, tangy, creamy contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
  • It holds up beautifully for hours, so you can make it ahead and actually enjoy your gathering.
02 -
  • Drain the mozzarella pearls completely or they will water down the dressing and make everything bland.
  • Let the salad rest before serving, those extra minutes transform it from good to unforgettable.
  • Taste before you serve and dont be shy about adding more vinegar or salt, the salad should be bold and bright.
03 -
  • Use kitchen shears to quarter the pepperoni slices quickly without a cutting board.
  • Tear the basil by hand instead of chopping it, the bruised edges release more fragrance and flavor.
  • Chill your serving bowl for 10 minutes before assembling, it keeps everything crisp and fresh longer.
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