Barefoot Contessa Antipasto Salad Food

ANTIPASTI SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad: To mellow the minced onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well, pat dry, and put in a serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing: Smash the garlic clove, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and, with the side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Put the paste in a bowl and add the orange zest, vinegar, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper, to taste. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.
• Using a handheld mandoline or a knife, cut the fennel lengthwise into long, thin slices. Add to the onion and toss with the chickpeas, peppers, artichoke hearts, arugula, parsley, and dressing. Scatter the olives and shave the Parmigiano-Reggiano over the top.

CLASSIC ANTIPASTO PLATTER

Steps:

• On a large serving platter, arrange the first nine ingredients; adding sliced meats if desired. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, cheese, oregano, salt and pepper; drizzle over antipasto.

ANTIPASTO COLD PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta to al dente firmness according to package instructions. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water, then transfer to very large mixing bowl.
• Mince yellow onion and transfer to mixing bowl.
• Drain mushroom pieces and transfer to mixing bowl.
• Drain olives, slice finely, and transfer to mixing bowl.
• Cut pepperoni in half and transfer to mixing bowl; be sure to separate pieces if needed.
• Cut bar cheese into little cubes no more than 1/2" on a side; transfer to mixing bowl.
• Cut sun dried tomatoes into little pieces no more than 1/2" on a side; transfer to mixing bowl.
• Drain roasted red pepper slices and cut them into little pieces no more than 1/2" on a side; transfer to mixing bowl.
• Pour entire bottle of zesty Italian dressing into mixing bowl and mix ingredients thoroughly before refrigerating.

POTATO SALAD (BAREFOOT CONTESSA) INA GARTEN

Steps:

• Place potatoes and 2 tablespoons of salt in large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife *.(See recipe update introduction.).
• Drain the potatoes (skins on) in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel.
• Allow the potatoes to steam for 15-20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, dill or parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper, if using.
• Set aside.
• When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters or in half, depending on their size.
• Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, pour enough dressing over them to moisten.
• Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate a few hours to allow the flavors to blend **.(See recipe update - introduction).
• Serve either cold or at room temperature.

ANTIPASTO SALAD PLATTER

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the ham, olives and pepperoni. On a platter or individual salad plates, arrange the lettuce, olive mixture and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing; sprinkle with cheese.