This antipasto salad is a crowd pleaser because you can put something that each person loves in the salad together with items that others love. I grew up eating this salad at Thanksgiving but I have incorporated it into brunches, and it works well alone as a cool summer dinner.
1Small Head of Romaine and or Iceberg Lettuceas they are crispy enough to withstand the layers of items and will not wilt as easy as spring mix.
1CarrotSliced into thin circles
2Stalks of CelerySliced into "u" shapes
4Fresh Mushroomssliced
1Small Cucumberremove seeds
1/4Fresh Green Bell Peppersliced thin
1Large Tomatosliced or 8 Cherry Tomatoes (cut in half)
1Small Can of Sliced Beets
1Jar Marinated Artichoke Heartssmall jar
1/2CupMarinated Mushrooms
6Baby Cornfrom a jar or can found in the Asian aisle of any supermarket
1/4Cupof Red Roasted Peppers from a Jar
12Baby Gherkin Picklessweet
6of Each Green and Black Olives
6Pepperoncini
12Slicesof Genoa Salamivery thin
12Slicesof Prosciutto Hampaper thin
12Slicesof Roast Beefthin
12Slicesof Provolone Cheesevery thin
1/4Lb.of Sharp Provolonecut into very small cubes
12Med-Large ShrimpPeeled, deveined, cooked, and cooled
6Anchoviesrolled with capers
1Can of Tonoaka: Italian tuna fish
1/2Small Red Onionsliced thin
Instructions
Gather all your ingredients
Start with a large platter and place the lettuce on the bottom layer.
Add the fresh vegetables, first spreading them out evenly so someone will receive a taste of each on a spoonful of salad.
Next layer on the jar and canned vegetables (hold out some of the olives for decorating).
Then layer the deli meats and cheeses. I roll most of the meats and whenever possible, I make a small slice into the salami and or provolone cheese and fold the two ends together to make a cone out of them. Place an olive inside each one
Lastly, add the seafood. I always place the Tono in the top-middle unless I know someone hates it, then I place to one side so they can avoid it.
Serve with a simple vinaigrette.
Notes
Note this is not a budget type meal. The cost of the ingredients adds up quickly, which was likely why as a child I only saw it at Thanksgiving. If your family hates an item simply omit it.