28/05/2020

This Italian Anti Pasti Salad is a stunning, different kind of salad that yells “easy” whilst, of course, at the same time being utterly delicious 🥰. I love a good salad, but I am the first one to fall quickly into the trap of doing the same salad (or the same sauce) again, and again. Let us be honest, variety is always more fun. So, I created something a bit different for you today.

Italian Anti Pasti Salad on a platter shot up close

And boy – this salad is different. It is nothing like you would likely expect a “normal” green salad to be – but it also does not have to be. Juicy, grilled vegetables (kind of like Italian anti pasti – literally just let them roast in the oven) meet a pesto dressing. I have strewn gorgeous buffalo mozzarella on top, but I would presume regular mozzarella will work just as well. I shot the recipe and was invited for a BBQ after, to which I brought the salad. Everyone loved it – one for their uniqueness, but also because it is very light, delicious and pairs well with whatever else you are serving on your summery evening meals 😉.

Italian Anti Pasti Salad on a small platter shot on a white background

Why is this Italian Anti Pasti Salad good for you?

Green Asparagus

Germans are true asparagus lovers – albeit it is usually the white or purple variety. I love this mighty vegetable both for its taste and versatile usage! Green Asparagus contains Vitamin C, E, A, and K, as well as Folate, Potassium, and Phosphorus. Vitamin K is essential in our body for blood clotting and is particularly high in dark-green vegetables. Green Asparagus is also loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress in our cells. Oxidative stress can cause inflammation in the body, lead to premature aging, and contribute to disease building. The antioxidants found in green asparagus help to lower blood pressure, have anti-inflammatory effects, as well as anti-viral and anti-cancer properties.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are such an underrated little health gem. They are an edible fungus. Each mushroom has a slightly different nutritional profile, so it is best if you consume this in variety. Mushrooms contain several nutrients that double as antioxidants in the body, including Selenium, Vitamin C, and Choline. Selenium may help in protecting against certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer. Choline, amongst others, is used in the body as neurotransmitter synthesis, as well as cell-membrane signaling. Some studies suggest that Choline can reduce certain types of cancer. Mushrooms also contain Potassium, which may also positively contribute to your heart health by lowering blood pressure levels.

Courgette

Mighty – Courgette – vegetable. Again, such a versatile little friend that you can use in so many recipes – from savory (like my Courgette Fritters) to sweet (like my Chocolate Courgette Mini Muffins). Whereas we tend to use courgettes as a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit, and contains high amounts of Vitamin A, C, Magnesium, and Potassium. Courgettes contain a number of antioxidants. The ones found in Courgettes are particularly beneficial for your eyes, heart, and skin. Courgettes also contain healthy amounts of fiber – both insoluble and soluble. As you probably know by now, both types of fiber are so important for optimal gut health – whereas the former helps to bulk up your stool, keeps you full for longer, and moves everything along nicely, the later is a great feeding ground for your beneficial gut bacteria.

How can I adjust this Italian Anti Pasti Salad recipe to my dietary requirements?

This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. If you would like to make this recipe both vegan and paleo, I suggest to omit the mozzarella and make a vegan pesto instead. I found this awesome Easy Vegan Pesto from the Minimalist Baker, which should pair nicely with the salad.

Vegetables on a baking tray ready for roasting — Veggies – pre grilling in the oven

Roasted green asparagus, courgette, onions, mushrooms, and pepper on a baking tray — Veggies – pre grilling in the oven

And there you have it for this week 🤗. Enjoy this delicious, summery delight – I hope it will give you as much inspiration as it did me to try something different in the “salad” department 😉. You can also check out my other not-so-salady- salads. Here is an awesome Watermelon Feta Salad or my Mother-In-Law’s Apple Celery Salad is also a big hit! Please let me know in the comments below and/or over on Instagram how you are finding the recipe 💫. Happy cooking everyone!