If you are looking for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer that is effortless to assemble yet bursting with flavor, this Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the freshness of basil and cherry tomatoes with the rich, savory notes of salami, mozzarella pearls, and marinated tortellini, these skewers are a colorful, hand-held celebration of Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for quick gatherings, potlucks, or simply a delightful starter before dinner, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each component. Every ingredient plays a vital role—from the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes to the creamy mozzarella pearls, all balanced by the zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together.
- Salami slices: Adds a rich, savory depth and a bit of spice to balance fresh ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes (rinsed): Offers a juicy pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cheese tortellini (cooked): Provides a tender, cheesy bite that soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- Fresh basil: Brings an aromatic, herbal freshness that brightens the skewers.
- Green olives: Contributes a briny, slightly salty tang that complements the meats and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese pearls: Small, creamy jewels that add smooth texture and mild flavor.
- Zesty Italian dressing: The secret ingredient that infuses every bite with tangy zest and herbaceous notes.
How to Make Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare Tortellini
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside to cool — this ensures they stay tender but won’t overcook when assembled onto the skewers.
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Ingredients
Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry tomatoes hold up better on skewers without releasing too much moisture. Gather fresh basil leaves, olives, and mozzarella pearls, ensuring all ingredients are clean and ready for assembly.
Step 3: Marinate the Tortellini
Place the cooled tortellini in a large zip lock bag. Pour about half a bottle of zesty Italian dressing over them, then shake the bag gently to coat each piece evenly. This step ensures the tortellini soak up the flavorful dressing, giving the skewers an irresistible tangy finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Begin threading the skewers by alternating pieces for a balanced mix: start with a green olive, followed by a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf, a marinated tortellini, a folded slice of salami, a mozzarella pearl, then repeat salami, basil, tortellini, basil, tomato, and finish with another olive. This arrangement creates an eye-catching pattern and guarantees every bite has a little bit of everything.
Step 5: Final Touch of Flavor
Lay the completed skewers on a serving platter, then brush the remaining Italian dressing over them generously. This extra layer of flavor amplifies the tang and herbs, giving the skewers a glossy, appetizing finish that invites everyone to dig in.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the skewers until you’re ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and keeps the ingredients fresh and crisp. When it’s time to entertain, simply bring them out and watch your guests enjoy this simple yet impressive Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these skewers even more, sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy sparkle.
Side Dishes
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, crusty bread, or a light pasta salad. Since the skewers themselves are a balanced bite of protein, veggies, and cheese, side dishes that contrast textures and flavors, like a fresh arugula salad or garlic breadsticks, make great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try standing the skewers upright in a decorative vase filled with uncooked pasta or colorful beans to keep them stable and add rustic charm to your table. Alternatively, arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter with small bowls of extra Italian dressing or marinara sauce for dipping. These creative touches make serving both beautiful and practical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover skewers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed the same day for peak texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh basil and tomatoes, freezing these skewers is not recommended. Freezing will negatively affect the texture and overall quality of the fresh ingredients, so it’s best to prepare only what you plan to serve within a day or two.
Reheating
This Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer bite, consider heating just the tortellini separately and assembling skewers fresh to maintain the perfect contrast between warm pasta and fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat besides salami?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute salami with pepperoni, prosciutto, or even cooked sausage slices to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make these skewers vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the salami and add extra cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture in place of the meat.
How far in advance can I prepare the skewers?
You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best not to assemble more than half a day before serving to keep the fresh ingredients vibrant and the basil from wilting.
What size skewers work best for this recipe?
Medium-length wooden or bamboo skewers that are about 6 to 8 inches long work best. They’re sturdy enough to hold multiple ingredients and are easy to handle for guests.
Can I use a different dressing if I don’t have Italian?
Of course! A simple balsamic vinaigrette or even a lemon herb dressing can work well, but keep in mind that the Italian dressing provides a classic zesty flavor that complements this antipasto combination beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe enough for your next get-together or casual night in. It’s simple, stunning, and so full of delightful flavors that it never fails to impress. Once you give it a try, you’ll have a go-to appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat. Happy skewering!
Print
Easy Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Easy Antipasto Skewers are a vibrant and delicious appetizer, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Featuring a colorful combination of salami, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, cheese tortellini, green olives, and mozzarella pearls, all dressed with zesty Italian dressing, these skewers are as flavorful as they are visually appealing. Quick to assemble and bursting with classic Italian antipasto flavors, they offer a crowd-pleasing starter that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Meats
- 1 pound Salami slices
Produce
- 1 pound Cherry tomatoes, rinsed
- 2 packages fresh basil
Dairy
- 2 packages Mozzarella cheese pearls
- 1 bag cheese tortellini (cooked according to package directions)
Pantry
- 1 bottle green olives
- 1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and dry them gently using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dress the Tortellini: Place the cooled tortellini into a resealable plastic bag. Pour about half the bottle of zesty Italian dressing over the tortellini, seal the bag, and shake gently to coat the pasta evenly with the dressing.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread skewers alternately with green olives, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, dressed tortellini, salami slices, mozzarella pearls, salami again, basil, more tortellini, basil, another cherry tomato, and finish with an olive. This layering provides a colorful and balanced bite of all ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Arrange the completed skewers on a serving plate or platter. Using a brush, lightly coat the assembled skewers with the remaining Italian dressing to enhance flavor.
- Refrigerate and Enjoy: Keep the assembled skewers refrigerated until ready to serve. Serve chilled and enjoy this easy and refreshing antipasto appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the tortellini is fully cooled before assembling to prevent wilting the fresh basil.
- Feel free to customize with other antipasto favorites like pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
- Use wooden or reusable skewers as preferred, soaking wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning if grilling or baking (not applicable here).
- These skewers can be made a few hours ahead; just cover and refrigerate to keep fresh.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute salami with marinated grilled vegetables or omit entirely.
