These Antipasto Skewers are the easiest way to bring all the bright, bold flavors of your favorite Italian antipasto platter straight to your party table—no forks (or fuss) required! With tender cheese tortellini, salty salami, olives, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, every bite is a celebration of savory, herby, and tangy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Impressive: Antipasto Skewers look like a centerpiece but only take minutes to assemble—no cooking skills required!
- Burst of Mediterranean Flavors: Every skewer is loaded with fresh herbs, marinated veggies, cheeses, and savory meats for a truly satisfying bite every time.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These can be made several hours ahead and hold up beautifully, letting you enjoy your own party.
- Adaptable for Every Crowd: Vegetarian, gluten-free, or kid-friendly, you can customize these skewers to suit any gathering or craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the wonderful things about Antipasto Skewers is how every ingredient is hand-picked for maximum flavor, eye-catching color, and different textures. Your shopping list couldn’t be simpler—or more delicious! Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each bite.
- Cheese tortellini: Tender pillows of pasta stuffed with cheese, adding a satisfying bite and soaking up all that zesty vinaigrette.
- Large olives (Castelvetrano or Kalamata): A briny, buttery pop that perfectly balances the richness of meats and cheese.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring a refreshing burst and vibrant color that makes every skewer pop.
- Genoa salami & prosciutto: These classic Italian cured meats bring a rich, savory, and slightly peppery flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Baby mozzarella balls: Creamy, delicate cheese that takes on the flavor of the marinade beautifully.
- Sharp provolone cheese: Bold and tangy, it delivers a punch of flavor and a firm bite.
- Basil: Fresh torn basil leaves add fragrance and a touch of peppery flavor reminiscent of summer gardens.
- Artichoke hearts: Meaty yet tender, with a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the other components.
- Roasted red peppers: Sweet, smoky, and colorful—these little jewels brighten every bite.
- Homemade basil-lemon vinaigrette: Infused with olive oil, lemon juice, basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper—this ties all the flavors together and adds that vibrant Mediterranean zing.
- Long wooden skewers: The vessel that makes these shareable, portable, and party-perfect!
Variations
One of the best things about making Antipasto Skewers is how easy it is to customize them—there are endless ingredient swaps to fit your tastes, event, or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to raid your fridge and make these all your own!
- Veggie-Lover’s Skewers: Skip the meats and load up on marinated mushrooms, grilled zucchini, or pepperoncini for a vegetarian twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini or simply leave out the pasta for a lighter, gluten-free appetizer.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Replace the stronger cheeses and olives with chunks of mild cheddar and cucumber slices—you’ll be amazed how fast they disappear!
- Swap the Dressing: Try a balsamic glaze drizzle or even pesto for a whole new flavor profile.
How to Make Antipasto Skewers
Step 1: Make the Basil-Lemon Vinaigrette
Combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, basil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until the dressing is vibrant green and perfectly emulsified. Give it a taste—add a little extra salt, lemon, or honey if you want to adjust the kick or sweetness.
Step 2: Cook and Marinate the Tortellini
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—make sure it’s tender but not mushy! Drain and rinse quickly in cold water to prevent overcooking. Toss the tortellini (and mozzarella balls) with about 1/3 cup of the dressing, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes—this step infuses big flavor into every cheesy bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Now the fun part! Thread each skewer with a mix of olives, tomatoes, meats, cheeses, roasted red peppers, basil, and artichokes. You can follow a pattern for a polished look or mix it up for a more rustic, bountiful vibe—either way, every Antipasto Skewer is a little work of art!
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Arrange your finished skewers on a large platter. Just before serving, give them a final drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette for shine and zesty flavor. They’re now ready for their party debut—don’t forget to sneak one for “quality control” before the crowd descends!
Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Skewers
- Tortellini Texture Matters: Cook the tortellini just until al dente—overcooked pasta will break apart when you thread the skewers and make the bites mushy.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled skewers sit in the fridge for 30–60 minutes; this helps the flavors meld and the vinaigrette soak in beautifully (plus, they’re extra refreshing when served cool).
- Balance Your Bites: Alternate salty, tangy, and creamy ingredients on each skewer so every bite is full of variety and color.
- Marinade Magic: If you have time, marinate the mozzarella and tortellini ahead—this makes them irresistible and ensures no bland bites!
How to Serve Antipasto Skewers
Garnishes
For a truly “wow” presentation, sprinkle your Antipasto Skewers with extra torn basil, microgreens, or a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. A quick drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon zest brings even more color and flavor to the platter and will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Side Dishes
These skewers play nicely with plenty of sides—pile them up next to a bowl of crusty bread, a big salad, or even creamy hummus and roasted nuts. For a complete Italian spread, add marinated mushrooms or a crisp white wine for sipping!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Antipasto Skewers in a burst of color by arranging them in concentric circles on a platter, lined upright in a vase (appetizer “bouquet”!), or even in mini glasses for single servings. You can also alternate skewer lengths or tie the ends with twine for a touch of rustic charm—eye-catching and fun for every party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (good luck!), store your Antipasto Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, though the basil may lose a bit of its color over time.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing these skewers—the fresh vegetables, cheeses, and pasta all prefer the fridge. Freezing changes their texture and freshness, so it’s best to enjoy them within a few days of assembling.
Reheating
Antipasto Skewers are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so forget the reheating! Just pull them from the fridge and let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make Antipasto Skewers ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare your skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store tightly wrapped or covered in the fridge until ready to serve. If possible, add delicate herbs or vinaigrette just before guests arrive for the freshest presentation.
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What size skewers should I use?
Long wooden skewers (about 8-10 inches) work perfectly for loading up with all the classic antipasto ingredients. If making bite-sized appetizers or for kids, shorter cocktail picks are fun and easy to handle.
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How can I make these Antipasto Skewers vegetarian?
Just skip the meats and add extra veggies like roasted mushrooms, grilled zucchini, or marinated artichokes and hearts of palm. Even without meat, they remain colorful, hearty, and incredibly tasty.
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Can I double or halve the recipe easily?
Definitely—this recipe is super flexible! Simply scale the ingredients up or down according to your crowd size. It’s perfect for anything from snack platters to large gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Antipasto Skewers, now is the perfect time to jump in! They’re fun to assemble, a breeze to serve, and guaranteed to disappear in a flash. Whether you’re prepping for a laid-back weekend or a big celebration, these skewers are truly a crowd-pleasing favorite. Gather your ingredients, let your creativity shine, and get ready to impress—enjoy every zesty, savory bite!
Print
Antipasto Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Skewering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Antipasto Skewers are a delightful and colorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Bursting with flavors from cheese tortellini, olives, cherry tomatoes, salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, and more, these skewers are a visual and tasty treat.
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 Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Toss in dressing.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread tortellini, olives, tomatoes, meats, cheeses, peppers, basil, and artichokes onto skewers. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with vinaigrette.
- Make Dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients. Adjust seasonings.
- Combine: Toss tortellini and mozzarella with dressing. Refrigerate before assembling skewers.
Notes
- Double recipe as needed.
- Recipe may also be halved.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
