Antipasto Platter

This recipe-free guide is the best way to create a beautiful, vibrant antipasto plate with minimal effort. Grab a cuttingboard and fill it with fruit, vegetables, cured cheeses, and other pantry items. You can prepare this easy and photogenic appetizer in advance, so it's ready to serve when you are!

When friends and family visit, I like to prepare a beautiful large spread. You know that I don't settle for the usual cheese and charcuterie boards. I prefer a colorful, bold platter with a variety of flavors and textures like my Crudites or Mediterranean Party Plate.

When I build a party plate, my goal is to make the decision of where to begin borderline overwhelming. This abundance and generosity is the Mediterranean spirit of hospitality I am so passionate about.

This recipe for an antipasto platter features my top suggestions for creating an Italian-inspired plate. There are many delicious combinations to discover. From briny artichokes and olives to creamy mozzarella and nutty Pecorino to salty Italian cured hams, toasted nuts, smoky peppers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and honey to drizzle, there is so much to choose from.

This antipasto recipe is a great place to start if you want to be creative. Pillage your pantry! Play around with your flavors and find the ones that make you happy. You can use up those half-full jars that are taking up space in the fridge. Please share with me your amazing creations!

What is Antipasto?

The singular form of Antipasti is "Antipasto", which means "before the meal". However, the US has adopted the term. Antipasto in Italy is usually accompanied by a glass or aperitif, such as an Aperol Spritz. The idea is to prepare your taste buds and stimulate appetite for the main course.

Antipasto is a tradition that has evolved with time. Different regions have their own take on it. Antipasto is a staple of Italian cuisine and a favorite among many. I will be embracing this tradition to the fullest on my upcoming visit to Puglia. ).

The best parties for me are those where the host has a good time. It's easy to make the antipasto, which allows me to relax and enjoy my party while everyone is happy. It's not just an antipasto, it's a recipe to throw a great party.

Antipasto Platter Ingredients

This list is more of a guideline than a rule. I have given you my suggestions for building my favorite Italian cheese and charcuterie plate. This is your house and your board. You decide! Feel free to add or swap your favorite ingredients.

• Whole Cheeses:Look out for different textures and tastes. Choose your favorite semi-hard and hard cheese. I like the funk of gorgonzola and the creaminess of fontina.
• Crackers or bread: These are the supporting roles of your antipasto plate. You can serve crackers or bread with your antipasto platter. I like to use griddled French bread. Or, go for the full cracker-and-bread experience! You can even add some focaccia. Serve with gluten-free or lettuce spears if you are avoiding gluten.
• Marinated Things:Marinated items add richness and flavour to the board. To stay with the Italian theme, i chose marinated artichoke, olives and mozzarella. Marinated feta, sun-dried tomato or olive oil bathed in Italian olive would be equally delicious.
• Fresh Things:Fresh season fruits and vegetables add vibrant colors and textures to this antipasto. Fresh veggies are always added for crunch and grapes to cleanse the palate.
• Sweet Things:Sweet jam or honey and salty cheese are two combinations that make you forget what you were saying and stop in mid-conversation. Add something sweet to your antipasto platter! I choose my favorite Greek honey with fig jam.
• Salty Things:Cured Meats add savory and salty flavors. I love to try a wide variety of flavors, such as spicy salami, delicate prociutto and rich capicola. You can create a vegetarian platter by substituting pickles such as cornichons for the cured meats. You can also swap out the tinned salmon for a vegetarian version.
• Something Smoky:Velvety roasted peppers with a smoky, yet sweet taste bridge the gap between sweets and savory. You can roast your own peppers for the best taste and texture or buy a jar at the store if you want to save time. You can also use whole Brussels sprouts or cubed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant or squash.
• Something crunchy :I like freshly roasted almonds. They go well with cheeses such as Pecorino. You can experiment with different nuts, or you can leave them out. You can also substitute crispy roasted chickpeas, Marcona almonds or roasted chickpeas.

How to build an Antipasto Platter

Gather all ingredients. Now comes the fun! Be creative when it comes to your plating. It's only an appetizer board, so don't take it too serious. It's not hard to make this non-recipe, but I will tell you how I make it.

• Pick a centerpiece. I selected my bowl of marinated mozzarella cheese baby for the recipe picture, and a dish of roasted peppers for video day. This isn't a difficult science, as I stated. You should do what you feel like. Set your prettiest dish near the middle of a large platter or cutting board.
• Place the small bowls in a staggered order. Put 1 cup of each marinated mushrooms or artichoke heart (or olives) in small bowls. In a small bowl, spoon 1/2 cup of honey (or fig jam) or fig preserves. Place the bowls at a distance on the board. These are the bowls that you'll be building around.
• Arrange cheese blocks. Arrange soft, semi-soft and hard cheeses (each about 6 ounces) on the board. Slice or cube harder cheeses, such as fontina and Pecorino. It's easy for guests to help themselves.
• Arrange the cured food. Cut any whole cured meat, such as salami, into quarter-inch rounds. You can fold, roll or ruche meats such as prosciutto to any shape you want. Arrange the cheeses and bowls around them.
• Fill in the blanks. Fill in the gaps with roasted peppers, seasonal fruits and vegetables and toasted almonds.
• Serve. Wrap the board in plastic once it's done and put it in the fridge until you are ready to serve (just bring it to room temperature). Make sure that everything is easily accessible when you are ready to serve. Set some crackers and/or grilled bread on the side. Set out toothpicks to skewer, small plates and forks, and a spoon for honey or jam. Let your guests dig in!

What to serve with an Antipasto Platter

This antipasto platter creates a casual, festive atmosphere at a party. As the host, you can enjoy yourself while your guests eat and chat.

Make sure to match this energy with equally easy cocktails. Pour your guests, make a pitcher with Red or Watermelon Sangrias, Rose Lemonade or Aperol Spritzes.

As soon as the party gets going, take a seat to start the main dish. Italian favorites such as Shrimp and Polenta, or Pasta alla Norma are sure to keep the party going. Enjoy a cup of tea or espresso with Italian Carrot Cake, Cannoli or Cannoli.

Search all Mediterranean Recipes

Our Shop Visit

The Mediterranean Dish first published the post Antipasto platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mediterranean diet primarily plant-based

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet is primarily a plant-based diet. This ancient diet focuses on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables legumes, nuts and seeds. The traceability of red meat, poultry, fish and other animal protein sources around the Mediterranean Sea has meant that they are less common in modern diets. You can choose to avoid these protein sources if you are a vegetarian/vegan. For additional nutrition and protein, you can also consider other dairy sources like tofu or soy yogurt.

How can I lose weight using the Mediterranean diet

Yes, it's possible to lose weight with the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and high-quality fats like olive oils, can help to reduce calories and provide essential nutrients that will improve your overall health. This eating plan can help you lose weight by incorporating physical activity. When paired with the right mindset and attitude, eating less processed food, less red meat, and less added sugars can help to maintain a healthy weight.

Rice in the Mediterranean diet?

Rice is both allowed and encouraged on the Mediterranean diet. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes healthy fats such olive oil, nuts, dairy products, fish, meat, poultry, and moderate amounts of dairy products. Whole-grain, or whole-grain, rice is a good source of carbohydrates that can provide energy to the body. It also contains dietary fiber that can aid in digestion and provide essential nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Cooked rice can be added to meals, such as soups and stews. It is possible to reduce added fat, if necessary, in order to eat rice-based meals within the guidelines of Mediterranean nutrition.

Is the Mediterranean Diet suitable for people suffering from certain health conditions like diabetes?

People with diabetes and other medical conditions will benefit from the Mediterranean Diet. This diet emphasizes whole foods, limits refined sugars and carbs, and focuses on healthy fats over butter or lard. This helps lower the risk of developing it in people not yet diagnosed and regulates blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Light exercise can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Healthy food swaps like replacing white bread with whole grain bread or adding nuts in salads to replace crackers can help create a balanced eating plan that's suitable for managing symptoms and conditions.

Statistics

• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

researchgate.net

• (PDF). The Association Between Dietary Patterns & Insulin Resistance: a Systematic Review


• (PDF) Citrus as part of the Mediterranean diet

nejm.org

• NEJM

heart.org

• American Heart Association


• What is the Mediterranean Diet? American Heart Association

oldwayspt.org

• Traditional Med Diet | Oldways


• Mediterranean Diet | Oldways

How To

How does the Mediterranean diet support brain health and decrease cognitive decline?

Mediterranean diet is a diet that consists of eating a variety of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Red meat and added sugar are not allowed. It has been linked to many health benefits - including better brain health. Research has found that following the Mediterranean Diet can reduce the risk of dementia and slow age-related cognitive decline. It may also boost mood disorders and offer protective benefits against aging-related oxidative damage.

Several aspects of the Mediterranean diet support brain health and reduce cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts of antioxidant rich plant foods, such as fruits or vegetables, is one of the best ways to support healthy neurological functioning. Additionally, monounsaturated fat from sources like olive oil contributes to maintaining adequate omega-3 levels in the body--a critical component in optimal brain functioning. Lastly, limiting processed carbohydrates may also support better mental clarity by stabilizing blood glucose levels throughout the day and reducing inflammation associated with chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's or stroke.

Following a balanced Mediterranean diet plan that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish or poultry; whole grains; ample healthy fats from olive oil; occasional red wine, plus moderate dairy intakes like yogurt or cheese will help maintain adequate nutrition levels over time to reduce cognitive decline. Engaging in moderately vigorous physical activity will increase serotonin levels, which can support mental well-being. Combining these tips can improve one's chances of maintaining good mental and physical health into old age.

Resources:

Mediterranean diet- name the 7 Foods ?- (more diets in description) #mediterraneandiet#diet Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition. From paleo, keto, Mediterranean and plant-based diets

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet We're dedicated to helping people eat healthy and live fuller lives. If you’ve got something to share that could help, we’d love to hear it.Whether..

Mediterranean diet- name the 7 Foods ?- (more diets in description) #mediterraneandiet#diet Mediterranean diet- name the 7 foods -more diets in description #mediterraneandiet }see more Diets - Keto dessert recipes -https://tinyurl

Cut Your Grocery Bill in HALF With These 15 Kitchen Time-Savers! LIVE at 2:30 PM Mountain! Are you ready to be the master of your universe and take charge of your life?At Paleovsketo.com, we bring you only premium content on bringing..

Healthy recipes for a low fat Eurobasket diet! #ytshorts #shorts #short #trending At Paleovsketo.com, we strive to provide you with the latest, most up-to-date information on various health topics such as the paleo diet, keto diet..

The 10 Week Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Program At Paleovsketo.com, we strive to provide you with the latest, most up-to-date information on various health topics such as the paleo diet, keto diet..

That Country You're Moving To Is Too Hard | Black Women Expats At Paleovsketo.com, we bring you only the highest quality content on the lifestyle choices of Paleo, Keto, Mediterranean, and plant-based dieting,..

The Mediterranean Diet: From an Environment-Driven Food Culture to an Emerging Medical Prescription The Mediterranean diet originates in the food cultures of ancient civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean Basin and is based on the regular

Eating Your Way to Better Health : The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet! #shorts Living healthy is about much more than what you eat. It's about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit.At Paleovsketo, we believe this..

Eating Your Way to Better Health : The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet! #shorts Eating Your Way to Better Health : The Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet! #shorts Did you know that the food you eat can have a big impact on your overall

Spanakorizo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Feta and Ouzo   Spanakorizo, or spinach rice, is one of the great Greek-diet plant-based main courses! It speaks the language of a perfect Mediterranean diet recipe because

Have Leftover Baked Ham? Make a Ham and Cheese Sandwich such as the French version Croque Monsieur or Monte Cristo. Food historians think that the Monte Cristo is a variation

Caprese Skewers Juicy tomatoes, tangy fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil come together to make this this flavorful and easy to make…The post Caprese Skewers appeared first on

Spaghetti Pie With this recipe for spaghetti pie, you can say goodbye to the boring leftovers. With a layering of vegetables sauteed and a quick finishing of..

25 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes Mediterranean diet recipes are known for their simplicity, ease of preparation, and delicious flavors. With a focus on fresh, whole ingredients, many

5 Studies on the Mediterranean Diet — Does It Really Work? This review of five human studies on the Mediterranean diet examines its effects on weight loss, various diseases, and the risk of death.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet Peter Nielson looks at the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in this week's Peter's Principles.

Live: Tasty Thursday - Cinco de Mayo! - w/ Laura Vitale Episode 4 Break free from diets, unhealthy eating habits and excessive weight. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer premium content to maximize your health lifestyle..

Cooking with Fresh Herbs - Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito Paleovsketo.com is a website focused on healthy living. We provide content about the paleo diet, keto diet, Mediterranean diet, plant-based diet..

SAM IS COMING HOME! Paleovsketo.com is a website devoted to providing premium content on the paleo diet, keto diet, intermittent fasting, weight loss, and eating healthy.

Garbanzos Salad In this 7-minute video, learn how to make a delicious and healthy garbanzo salad that's perfect for meal prep or as a quick and satisfying meal. Our expert

15 Unbelievable Grocery Hacks That'll Save You Thousands! At Paleovsketo.com, we strive to provide you with the latest, most up-to-date information on various health topics such as the paleo diet, keto diet..

Asian Tuna Over Fried Rice The ingredients in my jar of Asian Seasoning are Brown sugar, salt granulated ginger, sesame seed, cornstarch and red chili flakes. Ingredients 2..

Definitions and potential health benefits of the Mediterranean diet: views from experts around the world - BMC Medicine The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced mortality risk and lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Mediterranean Diet Meal Prep Recipes | Quick and Easy Healthy Winter Meal Ideas Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, the trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition. From paleo, keto, Mediterranean and plant-based diets

Strapastada With Shrimp PERFECT SCRAMBLED EGGS EVERY TIME Two tools will help you consistently prepare the perfect scrambled eggs: a non-stick pack and a rubber spatula. If you’re

Mediterranean Diet Dessert | Incredibly Moist Greek Yoghurt Lemon Cheesecake | No Cheese Needed Living healthy is about much more than what you eat. It's about finding a balance between body, mind, and spirit.At Paleovsketo, we believe this..

The TRUTH about Hello Fresh - An Honest Review Paleovsketo.com is a website focused on healthy living. We provide content about the paleo diet, keto diet, Mediterranean diet, plant-based diet..

Shrimp and Polenta This luxurious Venetian dish combines creamy polenta with shrimp in a white-wine and garlic sauce. This restaurant-worthy dish is a great main course

Healthy Mediterranean Diet Summer Desserts| Quick and Easy Recipes| Lemon Bars, Shortcake & Galette We're dedicated to helping people eat healthy and live fuller lives. If you’ve got something to share that could help, we’d love to hear it.Whether..

What Can You Eat On the Mediterranean Diet? Break free from diets, unhealthy eating habits and excessive weight. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer premium content to maximize your health lifestyle..

What Is The Mediterranean Diet? Benefits, Risks And More The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, provides an array of health benefits,

What if you could lose weight, improve your health and wellness you can with the Mediterranean diet Are you looking for ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle? Exercise and healthy recipes are the best way to change your life for the better. Are you struggling

6 Perfect Greek-Inspired Pasta Salads for Spring When spring rolls around, and new produce starts to pop up in my garden, one of my favorite recipes to whip up is a pasta salad. It’s so endlessly versatile

Heart Healthy Diet: The FOODS You Need to Start Eating Today to SAVE Your Heart | Switch4Good Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and a healthy diet can be crucial in preventing it. You've always heard about it — whole grains,

7 Mediterranean Diet Recipes to Try this Week Looking for a healthy and delicious way of eating? Look no further than the Mediterranean diet! In this video, we explore the benefits of this popular

Mediterranean Diet Part 2 #short #shorts #weightloss #tips Join Dr. Terry Simpson as dispels medical myths, breaks down the most recent medical news and how it applies to you and shows you how to live healthier, eat

Greek Spinach-Kale Salad with Lime-Honey Dressing I am always up for a great green salad, especially one like this Greek spinach kale salad with a few non-Greek additions, like edamame and lime! The honey adds

Free E-book with Book Purchase If you order a copy of my book The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners, you will receive the eBook…The post Free E-book with Book Purchase appeared first

Mediterranean diet for heart health The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.

Discover the Heart-Healthy Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet Discover the Mediterranean Diet and how it can revolutionize your heart health! A healthy heart enables you to live life to its fullest and the Mediterranean

Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan Week 41 A weekly series where we share our family’s actual Mediterranean diet meal plan. The goal is to simply share meal and recipe ideas.The post Mediterranean Diet

Torta Caprese (Italian Chocolate Cake) Torta Caprese is an Italian flourless chocolate cake recipe. Born on the Isle of Capri, it’s made with melted dark chocolate and almond flour. Not to be

5 Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (what are the main foods?) #meditteranean https://truewealth.moneyvikings.com - articles, market summaries How to eat a Mediterranean Diet, health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

7 Day Mediterranean Diabetes Diet Plan (Downloadable PDF) About 422 million people are living with diabetes worldwide, and 37 million of them are Americans. 1 in 5 people with diabetes in America don't even know they

13 Great Mediterranean Fish Recipes In Greece, Easter typically ushers in the first inklings of a summer mood (and, usually, the first whiffs of summer weather), which means that weekends turn

Brain Boosting Smoothie – Perfect for a Balanced After School Snack An easy and convenient after school snack, this smoothie features real ingredients designed to boost mood, brain function and much more. The post Brain

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Metabolic and Molecular Mechanisms Abstract. Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in minimally processed plant foods has been associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple chronic diseases

Greek Potatoes with Tomatoes and Onion (Patates Yahni) Patates Yahni is a rustic country-style Greek potato stew recipe. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, easy to make, and finger-licking delicious! This classic Greek

One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice (Quick and Easy) This Mediterranean Chicken and rice is an easy one pan recipe, featuring flavorful Mediterranean flavors: juicy chicken is roasted…The post One Pan

The Best Authentic Lebanese Recipes Looking for tasty and traditional Lebanese recipes? In this article, we will explore some authentic Lebanese recipes that are not only delicious but also align

Mediterranean Tuna Salad This delicious and healthy Mediterranean tuna salad is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of juicy tomatoes…The post Mediterranean Tuna

Lemon Ginger Potato Salad (no mayo) This Lemon Ginger Potato Salad is a mayo free potato salad that is infused with lemon and ginger tea for a zesty, creamy twist on an old classic. The post

Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan Week 40 We share our family’s weekly Mediterranean diet meal plan simply for meal ideas and recipe inspiration for anyone else looking for suggestions. Please keep in

Spring Asparagus Recipe Ideas Sharing a few of my favorite simple spring asparagus recipe ideas, along with nutrition knowledge for this seasonal veggie.The post Spring Asparagus Recipe

Take Your Diet to the Mediterranean It’s an easy (and delicious!) change that can turn your diet into a disease-fighting tool.

Mediterranean Red Cabbage and Chickpea Salad A hearty, colorful and scrumptious cabbage salad for all occasions. Cabbage is tossed with red pepper and chickpeas and…The post Mediterranean Red Cabbage and

Greek Chicken Gyro Greek Chicken Gyro, a healthy alternative to the classic Greek gyro you’d find at Greek festivals around the world. Yes, it’s true. We love a delicious gyro

Mediterranean Shrimp Stir Fry Mediterranean shrimp stir fry – a simple, delicious and healthy way to serve up a Greek inspired dinner. One of our favorite things to do while we’re in the

Homemade Pita Chips Homemade Pita chips are a healthy and delicious snack. See our pita chip recipe below. If you’re looking to make pita from scratch as well, we’ve got you

Kreatopetes | Greek Meat Triangles You can think of kreatopetes as small personalized kreatopitas wrapped in delicious buttery flakey phyllo (filo). Yes, we think they’re yummy and we’re excited

Caramelized Onions And Feta Phyllo Cups Caramelized onions are one of my favorite things to make. They just add such a delicious flavor to dishes. Combine them with feta and phyllo and wow, you’ve

Healthline Names Mediterranean Diet One of the 6 Best Diets for Heart Health Healthline ranked the Mediterranean Diet number 1 for the following reasons: Numerous studies associate the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart

The Mediterranean Diet - HelpGuide.org There are many misconceptions about the Mediterranean diet. Learn what it really means and how it can help you live a healthier, longer life.

The Brain Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet Psychology Today reports: Eating more green, leafy vegetables and less red meat were associated with improved cognitive functioning in a recent study of older

Mediterranean Diet Best for Those With Long COVID CNBC reports that Joan Salge Blake, Boston University’s clinical professor of nutrition says: “‘Poor protein [intake] can contribute to fatigue, and that’s the

Researchers Find Mediterranean Diet Reduces Obesity According to Olive Oil Times: The authors of the meta-study, published in Current Obesity Reports, noted that hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, several

Mediterranean Diets are Safer than Keto Diets for Controlling Blood Sugar The study described in The Epoch Times found: In the conclusions of this study, the authors prefer the Mediterranean diet over the Keto diet because the key to

Mediterranean Diet Rated The Best Overall For 2023 Once again, the Mediterranean Diet ranks #1 in Best Diets Overall. It is based on the traditional way of eating in the 21 countries that border the

Easy Shawarma-Spiced Chicken This Easy Shawarma-Spiced Chicken is full of flavor and tantalizes your taste buds with the flavors of the Middle East. It is an easy stovetop version of the

Simple Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup with Quinoa Cold winter days call for a hearty, rich, comforting soup. This Simple Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup with Quinoa is a twist on the classic Italian dish. Adding

Researchers explore Mediterranean diet and its health benefits in managing obesity A review article published in the journal Experimental Gerontology describes the utility of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in the prevention and management of

Easy Baked Falafel with Lemon-Tahini Sauce These easy baked falafel with lemon-tahini sauce are crispy from the outside, light tender, crumbly from the inside, and full of bright, Mediterranean flavors.

Easy Baked Spinach and Feta Cheese Frittata This Easy Baked Spinach and Feta Cheese Frittata is a breeze to make and comes together in less than 30 minutes! Ideal for a weekend brunch, a hearty and