This Antipasto Salad Pancake Taco turns crisp scallion pancakes into an unexpected handheld shell for Italian antipasto flavors. Melted mozzarella lines each pancake, while salami, pepperoni, provolone, vegetables and a sharp red wine vinaigrette create a satisfying fusion of crisp, creamy, tangy and savory textures.
Chinese · Italian
Antipasto Salad Pancake Taco
I’ve had so many wonderful layovers in Rome, and one of my favorite pleasures was settling in with an antipasto platter and a nice, crisp glass of white wine, watching the world go by and gossiping with my fellow flight attendants. Those little bites of cured meats, cheese and vegetables made it easy to linger over one more story. It felt only fitting to bring a little memory of Rome into my own kitchen. Here, I’ve tucked those Italian antipasto flavors into a crisp Chinese scallion pancake shaped like a taco, with the generous filling of an American deli sandwich. The cool, tangy salad against that flaky shell brings a little of Rome home with me.

Mary’s Introduction
Why These Flavors Work
The crisp, savory scallion pancake creates a rich base for tangy Italian antipasto flavors. Mozzarella and provolone add creaminess, salami and pepperoni contribute salty cured-meat depth, and the red wine vinaigrette brightens the briny olives, pepperoncini and artichokes. Fresh romaine and tomatoes keep the filling crisp and balanced.
THE RECIPE
Antipasto Salad Pancake Taco
Ingredients
Pancake Taco Shells
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Antipasto Salad and Filling
Instructions
Chef Notes
- Shape each pancake while it is still hot and flexible; once it cools, it will hold its taco form more firmly.
- Drain the artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, olives and soaked onion thoroughly so excess brine or water does not dilute the vinaigrette.
- Nutrition note: Green olives are listed as needed without an amount, so the estimate does not include them.
- How do you know the protein is done? Use commercially prepared ready-to-eat salami and pepperoni (lunch meat) according to their labels; no additional cooking is required for this cold salad filling. Keep the meat, cheese and assembled filling at 40°F or below. The meat should have its usual appearance and firm texture, but appearance or smell cannot prove safety. Safe sourcing, clean handling and cold holding determine safety. Refrigerate within 2 hours, or within 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.
Nutrition estimated per serving
View Full Nutrition Label
Calories1168
Protein55.2 g
Carbs48.7 g
Fat82.8 g
Sat. Fat29.3 g
Fiber6 g
Sugar5.3 g
Sodium3306 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate based on available ingredient data and can vary by brand, preparation and substitutions. It is provided for convenience and is not medical advice.
Ratings & Reviews
Be the first to rate this recipe.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
More from Mary’s Kitchen
How to Make Antipasto Salad Pancake Tacos
Soak the Red Onion
Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat it dry.
Crisp the Pancakes
Cook the scallion pancakes in an air fryer or skillet until crisp on both sides.
Shape the Taco Shells
Top each hot pancake with 2 mozzarella slices and Italian seasoning, then shape it in a taco holder and let it cool.
Whisk the Vinaigrette
Whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined.
Toss the Antipasto Salad
Combine the romaine, provolone, vegetables and olives, then toss with 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette total, 1 tablespoon per taco.
Fill the Tacos
Divide the salami and pepperoni between the shells, add the salad and finish with optional grated Parmesan.
Recipe Guidance
Storage
Store the cooked pancake shells, dressed or undressed salad, cured meats and extra vinaigrette in separate covered containers. Refrigerate the meats, cheeses and salad within 2 hours and use them within 3 to 4 days; the dressed romaine is best within 1 day.
Reheating
Do not reheat assembled tacos. Re-crisp only the unfilled pancake shells in an air fryer at 350°F or in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until hot and crisp, then reshape briefly before adding the cold filling.
Make Ahead
Whisk the vinaigrette and prepare the drained vegetables, cheese and cured meats up to 1 day ahead, keeping each component covered and refrigerated. Cook and shape the pancake shells ahead if needed, but dress the salad and assemble the tacos immediately before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tacos upright in taco holders with extra vinaigrette and grated Parmesan available at the table.
