Delicious Vegetarian Antipasti in Italy
A vibrant Italian-inspired antipasti platter showcasing a medley of oven-roasted seasonal vegetables combined with briny olives, tangy artichoke hearts, and a garlicky balsamic dressing. Finished with fresh basil (and optional creamy mozzarella or vegan cheese), this dish delivers an authentic taste of Italy while staying completely vegetarian—and can easily be adapted for a vegan diet.
Equipment
- Oven: For roasting the vegetables.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for even roasting.
- Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for vegetables and one small bowl for the dressing.
- Knife & Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups: To measure oil, vinegar, and other ingredients.
- Serving Platter: For presenting your beautifully arranged antipasti.
Ingredients
- Fresh Produce & Vegetables:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into rounds or half-moons
- 1 medium eggplant cut into ½-inch thick rounds
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and sliced into strips
- Marinated & Briny Items:
- ½ cup Kalamata or Italian olives pitted
- ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts quartered
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- Dressing & Seasonings:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus an additional drizzle if desired
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finishing Touches:
- A generous handful of fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- Optional: 1 small ball of fresh mozzarella or your preferred vegan cheese, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and both bell peppers on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender, slightly charred at the edges, and infused with flavor.
- Assemble the Antipasti:
- Transfer the roasted vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the olives, artichoke hearts, and capers.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle in a little extra olive oil (if desired) and mix until emulsified.
- Combine and Garnish:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
- If using cheese: Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella (or vegan alternative) just before serving.
- Serve:
- Allow the antipasti to sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld.
- Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer / Antipasti
- Method: Roasting, Marinating, Assembling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian (easily made vegan by omitting or substituting cheese)
- Keywords
- Italian, Vegetarian, Antipasti, Appetizer, Mediterranean, Roasted Vegetables, Marinated, Fresh Basil, Healthy, Vegan-Friendly (optional)
- Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Serving Size: ~150–175 grams
- Calories: 160–200 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 3–6g (depending on the use of cheese)
- Sodium: ~250 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (or minimal if cheese is omitted; approximately 10 mg if mozzarella is added)
- Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Notes
Serving Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed at room temperature but can also be served slightly warm.
Adaptability: Feel free to swap or add seasonal vegetables such as roasted red peppers or even marinated tofu for extra protein.
Vegan Option: To keep the dish vegan, simply omit the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Advance Preparation: The antipasti can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept at room temperature; just toss in the fresh basil and cheese right before serving to maintain their brightness.
Customization: Adjust the dressing’s garlic or balsamic vinegar levels to suit your taste preferences.
Adaptability: Feel free to swap or add seasonal vegetables such as roasted red peppers or even marinated tofu for extra protein.
Vegan Option: To keep the dish vegan, simply omit the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Advance Preparation: The antipasti can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept at room temperature; just toss in the fresh basil and cheese right before serving to maintain their brightness.
Customization: Adjust the dressing’s garlic or balsamic vinegar levels to suit your taste preferences.