Meat Antipasti

An important category of meat antipasti is salumi, which covers a huge variety of salt-cured, air-dried, and smoked meats. These include whole cuts of pork on the bone, such as prosciutto; the salted, dried beef, bresaola; ground meats packed into a casing, such as fresh sausage, salami, coppa, and mortadella. Salumi are cut into thin slices before serving, and any skin is removed. A variety of different types may be offered; they are traditionally served with marinated vegetables or cheese.

Beef and poultry are also served in salads, such as the Insalata di Pollo with julienned vegetables, raisins, and pine nuts. And chicken and duck livers make fine antipasti, served whole, or puréed and spread on crostini.