The word "antipasti" originates from "ante," meaning "before," and "pastus," meaning "meal" or "food." Antipasti are designed to be small bites that awaken your appetite before sitting down to a proper meal. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, simply want to share some hors d'oeuvres, or are craving a snack for yourself, these appetizers are sure to satisfy.
Anywhere else, the heart of the neighborhood might be the school, the church, or the rec center, but in New York, it’s the deli. Growing up, in preparation for big family gatherings, my dad would always visit his favorite Italian deli in Brooklyn and pick up prepared salads and snacks to bring. My favorite was always the simple Caprese salad. Caprese with juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is always going to be a crowd pleaser, but I love Caprese for its versatility. For this recipe, I took a simple tomato salad and combined it with another deli favorite from my childhood, the white bean picnic salad, to make a fresh, flavorful, and filling Caprese that everyone will love.