Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Antipasto Skewers are your new secret weapon for impressing guests or treating yourself to a vibrant, no-fuss meal after a long day. Bursting with the classic flavors of Italy—creamy mozzarella, tangy marinated artichokes, savory salami, briny olives, and juicy cherry tomatoes—each bite is a celebration of taste and texture. Ready in minutes and completely customizable, these colorful skewers shine as a speedy appetizer, a fun lunch, or a show-stopping addition to any dinner spread. Drizzled with a punchy Italian dressing and finished with fresh herbs, Antipasto Skewers make entertaining effortless and weeknight cravings exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Quick & Easy: No stove, no oven—just assemble and enjoy. If ever there was a recipe tailor-made for weeknights or last-minute guests, this is it.
• Flavor Party: Every skewer delivers a symphony of flavors—creamy, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet—from the cheerful combo of classic antipasto ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since there’s no heavy cooking involved, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing pans.
• Totally Customizable: Don’t have an ingredient? No problem. These skewers love a good remix and fit every taste and dietary preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into these flavor-packed skewers, plus a few notes to guarantee maximum deliciousness:

• Mozzarella Balls: Adds creaminess and that satisfying mild chewiness. Use fresh, cocktail-sized ones for best results.
• Italian Dressing: Brings everything together with herbal, tangy notes. Marinate those mozzarella balls, and use a little extra to brush over the finished skewers for extra zing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they burst with freshness. Grape tomatoes work well, too.
• Pitted Olives: Salty and briny, black or green—choose your favorites for a pop of Mediterranean flavor.
• Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Heartier than pasta salad; cook just until tender. These add a fun, pillowy bite.
• Marinated Artichokes: Packed with tang and texture—always drain well so they don’t make the skewers soggy.
• Roasted Red Pepper Slices: Smoky and sweet, cut into just the right size for a lovely color contrast.
• Salami (or Mortadella): Classic, robust, and savory. Feel free to substitute half with mortadella for a softer, more delicate flavor.
• Balsamic Reduction (optional): For an elegant finish, its tangy sweetness complements the salty and creamy elements.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): Adds vibrant color and freshness; finish with a generous sprinkle just before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Delight: Skip the salami and double up on artichokes, mushrooms, or add grilled zucchini slices.
• Make it Spicy: Throw in a few pickled pepperoncini or Calabrian chili peppers for a fiery kick.
• Change the Cheese: Try cubes of provolone or mini bocconcini if mozzarella isn’t handy.
• Seafood Twist: Smoked salmon or cooked shrimp in place of the meat is a refreshing, light option.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and tortellini—and go big on veggie varieties like olives, roasted peppers, and marinated mushrooms.

How to Make Antipasto Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Mozzarella

Toss the mozzarella balls with a bit of Italian dressing and let them soak up that herby goodness for at least 10 minutes. This adds a punch of flavor you don’t want to skip.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the cheese tortellini just until they float—don’t overcook, or they’ll fall apart on the skewer. Drain and cool completely. For extra flavor, toss lightly with a tablespoon of Italian dressing after cooling.

Step 3: Gather and Prep Components

Slice the roasted red pepper into 1-inch strips, drain the marinated artichokes, and get all your ingredients on hand for quick assembly.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread one mozzarella ball, one cherry tomato, one olive, a piece of salami (folded or rolled for presentation), one artichoke heart, a piece of roasted red pepper, and one tortellini onto each skewer. Repeat to fill your skewers, mixing up the order for varied color and texture.

Step 5: Dress and Garnish

Lay the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with more Italian dressing and, if using, a balsamic reduction. Scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top for a fresh, inviting look.

Serve immediately, or cover and chill for a party-ready snack later!

How to Serve

Antipasto Skewers can be enjoyed so many ways. Set them out as an easy starter for a dinner party, or pile them up for a relaxed family-style lunch outdoors. They pair perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine, a bubbly Prosecco, or even a citrusy mocktail. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a big green salad, crusty Italian bread, or as part of an antipasto platter with nuts, extra cheese, and more cured meats. If you want to impress, drizzle balsamic reduction and sprinkle with fresh herbs just before guests arrive for that restaurant-worthy finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Antipasto Skewers keep well! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal because the fresh vegetables and cheeses can lose their texture, but the tortellini and cured meat freeze well if stored separately.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat; these skewers are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave for the tortellini before assembling works well, but avoid heating the entire skewer or the cheese and veggies may soften too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Antipasto Skewers are the ultimate blend of convenience and bold Italian flavors—perfect for both effortless entertaining and deliciously easy weeknight meals. They invite creativity, highlight each ingredient, and require almost zero fuss. Give them a try, experiment with your favorites, and enjoy the happy mix of colors, tastes, and textures—one quick, irresistible skewer at a time!

Print