Antipasto Skewers are an absolute showstopper at any gathering—loaded with vibrant colors, bold Mediterranean flavors, and a medley of textures in every single bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or need an easy make-ahead appetizer, these little bites are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Every skewer is a mouthwatering combination of savory meats, creamy cheese, marinated veggies, and fresh basil.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors and fun shapes turn your platter into an edible work of art—guests always swoon!
- So Simple, No Stress: The skewers are totally customizable, quick to prepare, and ideal for making ahead (hello, easy entertaining!).
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, holiday gathering, or an elevated snack board, these Antipasto Skewers fit right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Antipasto Skewers come together with easy-to-find ingredients that pack a ton of flavor and color. Each component adds its own special spark—from juicy tomatoes to snappy cheese tortellini—building irresistible layers onto every skewer.
- Long wooden skewers: The backbone of this recipe—sturdy skewers allow you to stack lots of goodies and are easy for guests to grab.
- Cheese tortellini: The pasta brings a chewy, creamy note and soaks up all that delicious dressing.
- Castelvetrano or kalamata olives: Choose your favorite variety for a pop of briny, buttery, or tangy flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness balance the saltiness of the meats and cheeses beautifully.
- Genoa salami: Thin slices add a peppery, savory kick—the classic Italian deli taste.
- Prosciutto: This silky cured ham melts in your mouth and brings big Italian flavor to each bite.
- Baby mozzarella balls: Creamy, mild, and adorable—they’re absolute snack goals.
- Sharp provolone cheese cubes: Use a robust, aged variety for a nice bite and contrast to the milder mozz.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn fresh basil infuses each skewer with that signature aromatic, garden-fresh note.
- Chopped artichoke hearts: Tender, tangy, and perfectly snackable—these add a touch of elegance.
- Roasted red peppers: Smoky, sweet, and vibrantly colored, they pop on the platter!
- For the Dressing: A zippy homemade vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper ties all the flavors together.
Variations
One of the reasons I absolutely love Antipasto Skewers is how easy it is to switch things up—a tweak here, a swap there, and you have a brand new party favorite. Don’t be shy about making these your own, whether for dietary needs or just for fun!
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and double up on marinated veggies—try adding grilled zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free tortellini (or skip it entirely) for a wheat-free crowd-pleaser.
- Herb Swaps: Sub in fresh oregano or mint instead of basil for a slightly different herbal twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a slice of pepperoncini or pickled hot peppers to each skewer if you want some heat!
How to Make Antipasto Skewers
Step 1: Cook and Marinate the Tortellini
Begin by cooking your cheese tortellini according to package directions—don’t forget to salt the water! Once they’re al dente, drain and give them a quick rinse under cold water to cool. While still slightly warm, toss the tortellini (and mozzarella balls) with a generous splash of your homemade dressing. Let them soak up those delicious flavors in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (longer is even better).
Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Basil Vinaigrette
In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until the dressing turns creamy and speckled with bright green basil bits. Give it a taste and tweak the seasoning as needed—this dressing should be zippy, garlicky, and utterly fresh.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
The creative part! Take your wooden skewers and start threading: one or two pieces of each ingredient per skewer. I like to alternate colors and flavors—think golden peppers beside ruby tomatoes, a ribbon of prosciutto, followed by a basil leaf, a tortellini, and so on. You can match every skewer or let each one have its own personality. Have fun with the assembly!
Step 4: Arrange and Dress
Once all your Antipasto Skewers are assembled, arrange them artfully on a large serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle with a little extra basil vinaigrette for glistening, mouth-watering goodness. A few extra fresh basil leaves scattered over the top make everything pop.
Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Skewers
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Don’t overcook the tortellini! You want them just tender so they hold their shape (and their place on the skewer).
- Flavorful Marination: Let the tortellini and mozzarella marinate a little longer for even bolder flavor—great if you have time to prep a few hours ahead.
- Skewer Like a Pro: If your ingredients are slippery or soft (like artichoke hearts or roasted peppers), sandwich them between firmer items like cheese or olives to keep everything in place.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble skewers a day in advance and store covered in the fridge—just wait to drizzle with extra dressing until right before serving to keep them fresh!
How to Serve Antipasto Skewers
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley add a bright, herbal finish to Antipasto Skewers. For something extra-special, try a few grinds of black pepper or a zesting of fresh lemon over the top just before serving—it amps up the fragrance and visual appeal instantly.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with crusty Italian bread, a big green salad, or bowls of marinated olives to round out the appetizer spread. If you’re planning a grazing table, nestle them alongside cheeses, spreads, raw veggies, and fruit for a Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Antipasto Skewers in concentric circles on a large platter for a flower-like look, or stand them upright in mason jars, shot glasses, or a loaf of bread for a playful, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. For outdoor parties, wrap the ends in parchment for easy, mess-free grab-and-go snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Antipasto Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep any extra dressing on the side so things don’t get soggy.
Freezing
I wouldn’t recommend freezing Antipasto Skewers, since ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and marinated veggies tend to lose their texture after thawing. They’re truly best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating needed! These skewers are designed to be savored cold or at room temperature—the ultimate fuss-free party food.
FAQs
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Can I make Antipasto Skewers the day before my event?
Absolutely! Assemble the skewers up to a full day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered. Just drizzle with extra dressing and add any fresh herbs right before serving so everything stays bright and fresh.
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How do I keep skewers from getting soggy?
If you’ll be assembling them ahead, try to keep any extra dressing separate and toss or drizzle right before serving. Also, layer wetter ingredients (like roasted peppers) between cheeses or meats to help absorb extra moisture.
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Can I make these without tortellini or cheese for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! These skewers are wonderfully flexible—just load up extra veggies and meats, or try gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives to fit your needs.
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What can I substitute for the homemade dressing?
You can use your favorite store-bought Italian or balsamic vinaigrette in a pinch, but the homemade basil-lemon version really does take these Antipasto Skewers over the top!
Final Thoughts
One bite of these Antipasto Skewers, and I promise they’ll become a staple at all your future parties! They’re fun, flavorful, totally adaptable, and best of all—made to share. I hope you’ll try them the next time you need a crowd-pleaser, and that they bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skewering, Mixing, Drizzling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Antipasto Skewers are a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Bursting with flavors and textures, these skewers are easy to assemble and a real crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
- 20 long wooden skewers
- 1 16 ounce package cheese tortellini
- 40 large olives (Castelvetranos or kalamata)
- 40 plump cherry tomatoes
- 40 thin slices Genoa salami
- 40 thin slices prosciutto
- 20 baby mozzarella balls
- 20 cubes sharp provolone cheese
- 40 pieces basil, torn
- 20 pieces chopped artichoke hearts
- 2 roasted red peppers, seeds removed, chopped into small pieces
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup (113ml) olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons (42ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil
- 2 Tablespoons (28ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon (18ml) honey
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Toss in dressing as directed below.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread tortellini, olives, tomatoes, meats, cheeses, peppers, basil, and artichokes onto skewers. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with more vinaigrette, if desired.
- Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare Tortellini: In a bowl, combine tortellini and mini mozzarella balls with 1/3 cup of dressing. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours.
Notes
- Double the recipe as needed.
- Recipe can be halved.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
