Easy Vegetarian Antipasto Recipe

Antipasto platter vegetarian brings some of my favorite veggies together to create a dish that is lovely to look at and yummy to eat. If you were wondering, the meaning of the word antipasto is anti (before)  and pasto (meal). Antipasto is a dish that is served before the meal or before all other dishes. I was wondering what the meaning was, so I looked it up and thought you might be interested as well.  

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Recipe updated July 27, 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Antipasto Meaning: “Antipasto” translates to “before the meal,” and it serves as a delightful pre-meal dish featuring a variety of vegetables and flavors.
  • Vegetarian Antipasto Ingredients: Includes Italian vegetables, optional additions like broccoli or cauliflower, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, mozzarella cheese, or Great Northern Beans for protein.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Tip: Preserve red bell peppers by roasting and freezing them for easy use in recipes throughout the year.
  • Vegan Option Available: Substitute mozzarella cheese with cooked Great Northern Beans for a vegan-friendly antipasto platter.
  • Quick and Easy Assembly: Cook beans or sugar pod peas, prep veggies, drain olives, and use marinated artichoke liquid as a dressing for simplicity.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with vegetarian lasagna and crusty artisan baguette for a complete and satisfying meal.

What do I need for Vegetarian Antipasto?

Vegetarian Antipasto spotlights all of your favorite Italian vegetables. However, if you aren’t Italian, you can include other vegetables like sugar pod peas, broccoli, or cauliflower pieces on your antipasto platter.  

A word about the roasted red peppers: I preserve the red bell peppers by roasting and then freezing them at the end of the pepper growing season. I lay the roasted peppers in a single layer when I freeze them. Once the roasted pepper pieces are frozen,  I package them in ziplock bags. When I have a recipe that needs roasted red peppers, I can take out as many peppers as I need and chop or slice them for the recipe. This Vegetarian Antipasto uses sliced frozen roasted red peppers. The frozen roasted peppers thaw quickly and are thawed when the Antipasto is served. 

Traditional Antipasto consists of a selection of cured meat slices. The pine nuts, mozzarella cheese, or great northern beans add protein to the Antipasto – keeping it vegetarian. 

How To Make Antipasto?

This delicious Vegetarian Antipasto is quick, simple, and easy to make.  

  • Start by cooking the beans or sugar pod peas until slightly soft but still a little crunchy. Cool and set aside.   
  • Roast the red peppers and slice them into thin pieces. 
  • Prep the raw veggies by cutting them into bite-size pieces, 
  • Drain the olives. 
  • Make it Vegan and substitute some cooked Great Northern Beans for the mozzarella cheese. 

Arrange the vegetables, pine nuts, and mozzarella cheese in a large shallow Serving Bowl. 

Simple is Smart Tip (SIS)

 There is no need to make a dressing for your antipasto.  Use the liquid from the marinated artichokes as a dressing. Mince some fresh parsley and basil and sprinkle it on the garnish for extra flavor.  Serve this salad with some Vegetarian Lasagna and a loaf of sliced crusty Artisan Baguette.

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FAQ for Antipasto

What is the difference between antipasto and antipasti?


Antipasto and antipasti are commonly used in Italian cuisine, but what is the difference? The answer lies in their grammatical form. Antipasto is a singular noun, whereas antipasti is its plural form. Antipasto is a single dish or course typically served before the main meal. It often consists of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables. On the other hand, antipasti is the plural form of antipasto and refers to multiple dishes or courses served as appetizers. So, while antipasto is a singular dish, antipasti is a collection of various appetizers that can be enjoyed before the main meal.

What is the difference between charcuterie and antipasto platter?

A charcuterie platter typically consists of an assortment of cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami, and pâté, along with accompaniments like pickles, mustard, and bread. On the other hand, an antipasto platter focuses more on marinated or pickled vegetables, cheeses, olives, and sometimes cured meats. While both platters offer a selection of delicious bites, the main contrast lies in the emphasis on cured meats in charcuterie and the focus on vegetables and cheeses in antipasto.

What are the three types of antipasto?

Antipasto, a traditional Italian appetizer before the main course. There are three main types of antipasto. The first type is the classic antipasto platter, which typically includes a variety of cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto, along with an assortment of cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and crusty bread. Another type is antipasto salad, which is a lighter and refreshing option. It usually consists of mixed greens topped with marinated vegetables, cheese, and cured meats tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Lastly, there are antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, and cured meats; these bite-sized portions are perfect for parties or as an appetizer.

Are antipasti healthy?

Antipasti are indeed a healthy choice. These delicious bites are packed with essential nutrients. Antipasti typically consist of vegetables, cured meats, cheeses, and olives. The colorful assortment of veggies provides good vitamins and minerals, while the lean proteins from the meats and cheeses offer satiety and muscle-building benefits. Additionally, the heart-healthy fats found in olives contribute to a well-balanced diet.

What do you eat with antipasti?

Antipasti, a traditional Italian appetizer, has plenty of accompaniment options. One classic choice is a crusty baguette or some freshly baked bread. The crispy texture of the bread pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the cured meats and cheeses. Another popular choice is a variety of olives, which add a briny and tangy element to the antipasti platter. Additionally, marinated artichokes or roasted peppers can provide a burst of sweetness and acidity that complements the savory components of the dish.

When should I serve antipasto?

You can serve antipasto at lunchtime as a light and refreshing meal option or as a prelude to a dinner in the evening. It’s also an excellent choice for outdoor events like picnics or barbecues, as it can be prepared in advance and enjoyed at room temperature.

What is antipasto dinner?

Antipasto dinner is derived from the Italian word “antipasti,” meaning “before the meal.” It consists of a variety of small dishes served before the main course. It typically includes an assortment of cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto, along with an array of cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and crusty bread.

5 from 1 vote

Vegetarian Antipasto

Vegetarian Antipasto is colorful, delicious, and healthy. You can make vegan with beans instead of the mozzarella
Servings 9 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
roasting the Red Peppers 30 minutes 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

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  • 1 A large shallow dish for serving.
  • 1 A baking sheet for roasting the red peppers

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Roast the Red Peppers, peel and remove the seeds. Slice into thin slices.
  • Cook the green beans or sugar pod peas until al-dente.
  • Arrange All of the ingredients in a large flat serving bowl or on a serving platter.
  • Drizzle the artichoke marinade over the vegetables.
  • Drizzle the red wine vinegar over the vegetables. (optional) The artichoke marinade has vinegar in it.
  • Garnish with the chopped basil and minced parsley.
  • Serve and enjoy.
  • Make it Vegan by substituting cooked Great Northern Beans for the Mozzarella.

Video

Calories: 169kcal
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: antipasto, healthy, vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 717mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 815IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

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  1. Anonymous says:

    5 stars
    Love this recipe

5 from 1 vote

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