Thanks for coming over to CookingChew to get meal inspiration for what to serve with antipasto salad!
You’ve probably heard of the Italian starter terms antipasto, antipasti, antipasta, and might even have used these terms interchangeably.
But it’s finally time to clear up the confusion.
Antipasto is the singular form of the word antipasti, which is the plural form.
On the other hand, antipasta is the colloquial term for antipasto, which translates to “before the pasta” in Italian.
Additionally, the term “antipasto” means “before the meal,” and Italians love this starter due to its rich and savory flavor.
What’s so popular about this traditional Italian starter?
Antipasto salad consists of all the flavorful cured meats like prosciutto and salami.
On top of the cured meats, this salad is also tossed with a mix of the goodies we love in our salad, such as mozzarella, provolone, pepperoncini, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, anchovies, giardiniera, olives, olive oil, and let’s not forget the greens.
Antipasto salad is a go-to starter in Italy because it’s easy to whip up in one bowl.
But what to serve with antipasto salad remains a thought for many, especially because there are a myriad of options to choose from!
So if you want to try this tasty salad and if you’re wondering what to serve with antipasto salad, here are 21 main dishes.
Don’t miss out on #19 if you love the savory and fatty goodness of beef!
You can never say no to the good old steak and salad tandem, especially this parmesan basil steak with lemon butter asparagus recipe.
Grab a sirloin steak and grill it to perfection until it’s juicy and savory.
Pair with some asparagus and drizzle lemon garlic herb butter sauce on top with the crispy onion bits, and every bite gives you a hint of tangy and buttery sensation!
How about pairing your antipasto salad with traditional Sicilian pasta with marinara, basil, and eggplant?
This is a completely vegetarian dish that lets you choose between fried or roasted eggplants.
Because eggplants absorb the oil, it brightens up the dish and makes the other ingredients shine as well.
The already flavorful antipasto salad will go well with a simple flavored dish like this hummus recipe.
The primary kick that will make your tastebuds celebrate is this dish’s garlicky taste.
Plus, you’ll only need 6 simple ingredients and pita bread to complete this dish.
Focaccia bread is another classic Italian bread that is infused with your favorite herbs like rosemary and thyme.
It can also be baked with additional ingredients like tomatoes and onions, seasoned with salt, and drizzled with olive oil.
The saltiness of the focaccia pairs extremely well with the fishy, dense, and oily sardines, which is a fantastic way to enjoy your main course after your antipasto salad!
If you’re a mushroom lover and are willing to add a unique twist to this simple and magical vegetable, try this stuffed mushrooms recipe.
The earthy flavor and slight umami flavor of the mushrooms, along with the stuffed ingredients like herbs, garlic, and cheese, will make you want to grab more than a handful.
Don’t skip this main course if you want something quick and a bit woodsy in your next meal.
Since you already get all the fatty, salty goodness from the cured meats of your antipasto salad, you can opt for something light and filling like this grilled chicken recipe.
Chicken is always a go-to partner for salad starters because of its versatility.
But for this recipe, we’ll rely on garlic, onion powder, lemon juice, and lemon pepper for flavor.
But you can always replace these powdered ingredients with an all-time favorite Italian seasoning.
You definitely can’t say no to this cheesy and tasty spinach cheese ball because of its cheesy and gooey goodness!
This is the vegetarian version of the all-too-familiar sausage cheese balls.
Still, it will give you the same taste of heavenly delight as the robust and acidic spinach gets more concentrated when cooked.
They call this Italian wedding soup for a reason.
It’s derived from the Italian phrase “minestra maritata,” which stands for “married soup.”
And this is all because of the marriage of all the different ingredients in this soup that gives you a bunch of exciting flavors.
Choosing seafood when considering what to serve with antipasto salad is highly recommended as it balances the meaty ingredients with the greens in your salad.
But shrimp in pasta, butter, pepper flakes, white wine, parsley, and parmesan cheese? EXQUISITE!
This shrimp scampi recipe will deliver all the salty and natural taste of the shrimp, along with the buttery sauce.
Start your special meal with an antipasto salad and follow it up with a classic Italian beef ragu pasta.
This Italian staple is a must-try even for non-Italians!
You’ll enjoy the meaty and sweet sauce from the ragu that’s been cooked and simmered for 2 hours to achieve that perfect pasta sauce.
I’m pretty sure you can’t get enough of this risotto, especially a chicken risotto that’s been cooked and soaked with all the ingredients and flavors from the chicken.
It also soaks up all the flavors from the roasted broccoli, and sharp and slightly earthy cheddar cheese, which make for a velvety risotto!
If you want something quick to put together like your antipasto salad, then don’t miss this Italian sub sandwich
An Italian sub contains a variety of meats, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs.
But for this recipe, use salami, ham, capicollo, mortadella, provolone, and 2 large sub rolls.
13. Neapolitan Pizza
Try this traditional Neapolitan Pizza that’s been cooked to a magical perfection!
The crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, and incredible cheeses that melt on the dough are to die for.
All these flavors bring every palate joy and happiness that you can share with friends and family!
Also known as Florentine steak, this recipe is popular in Italy and most Italian restaurants in America.
A well-seasoned 3-pound porterhouse steak that is grilled to perfection and brushed with fresh herbs and butter is key to making this recipe nothing short of spectacular!
If the sound of garlic, lemon herb Mediterranean chicken doesn’t get you excited for dinner, I don’t know what will.
Put in some potatoes, zucchinis, and other vegetables of your choice, and you have yourself a filling main course!
16. Arugula Salad
Antipasto salad is a relatively richer salad because of all the different cheeses and picked meats.
That said, pair it with something light and simple like this easy arugula salad recipe, especially if you want to catch up on your greens.
You’ll get that tarty, bright, peppery, and slightly bitter taste from the rocket leaves, which complements the salty and savory antipasto.
This is probably the stickiest honey garlic butter shrimp you’ll ever taste!
And it takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
But don’t let the simplicity fool you, as the combination of garlic and butter, glazed in sweet honey, complements the brackish flavors of the shrimp.
Whether you want the crispy edges of the lasagna, the savory sauce, or the unbelievable umami cheese taste that’s extra stringy when you slice into it, you’ll definitely love this sausage and three cheese lasagna.
Instead of ground beef, this recipe uses sausages, and for a good reason.
Overall, this sausage lasagna cooked with three kinds of cheese is a filling and hearty meal!
Beef brasato is a succulent meal, especially when mixed with perfectly al dente pappardelle pasta.
Pappardelle pasta is a flat, broad, and wide pasta, which offers a good and starchy taste that will soak in all the rich sauces from the beef brasato made with beef shank.
There is nothing more Sicilian than this swordfish recipe cooked in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and white wine sauce.
Swordfish is another versatile fish that doesn’t have that strong salty taste and is also not as oily as tuna.
However, it’s a fatty fish with lots of flavors, perfect for this Sicilian-style sauce.
If you’re looking for something extra filling, this Italian meatballs recipe is worth a try!
These meatballs are popped in the oven and baked to tender and juicy perfection and melt in your mouth like butter.
You’ll get irresistible flavors from the seasoned ground beef that will leave you wanting more!
The bottom line
Antipasto salad is an excellent way to start your lunch or dinner meals due to the beautiful marriage of flavors from cured meats and leafy greens.
But the best way to enjoy it is with a tasty main course.
So if you’re still wondering what to serve with antipasto salad, these 21 choices won’t let you down.
What To Serve With Antipasto Salad
Wondering what to serve with antipasto salad? Find out here the best pair for this Italian meal and unlock these 21 sides!
Ingredients
- Parmesan Basil Steak With Lemon Butter Asparagus
- Pasta Alla Norma
- Roasted Garlic Hummus
- Focaccia With Sardines & Roast Tomatoes
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Spinach Cheese Balls
- Italian Wedding Soup
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta
- Italian Beef Ragu
- Cheesy Chicken Risotto With Broccoli
- Italian Sub Sandwich
- Neapolitan Pizza
- Bistecca Alla Fiorentina
- Garlic Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken
- Arugula Salad
- Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Sausage & Three Cheese Lasagna
- Beef Brasato With Pappardelle & Mint
- Swordfish Sicilian Style
- Italian Meatballs
Instructions
- Find your favorite recipe from our What To Serve With Antipasto Salad list.
- Gather all the ingredients needed.
- Start cooking and make us proud!