If you’re on the lookout for a fun, flavorful, and utterly crowd-pleasing appetizer, the Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe is your new best friend. These delightful bite-sized kabobs combine tender cheese tortellini, savory salami, creamy provolone, and vibrant veggies all kissed by a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or casual get-together, these kabobs bring a burst of color and irresistible taste that everyone will be reaching for!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing the Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in building vibrant flavor and texture. From the soft and cheesy tortellini to the salty, tangy salami and olives, every element complements one another beautifully.
- 8 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star ingredient offering a tender, cheesy base for every kabob.
- 4 oz provolone cheese (cut into small squares): Adds a creamy texture and mild, slightly smoky flavor.
- 50 thin slices salami: Provides a rich, savory bite with a little spice that livens up the kebabs.
- 25 pimiento-stuffed green olives: Bring a briny, tangy pop that brightens each skewer.
- 25 small cherry tomatoes: Add freshness, juiciness, and a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Acts as the flavorful base of the marinade, giving a silky coating.
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar: Lends a crisp, fruity tang that balances the richness.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami depth and adds a lovely nutty finish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Offers a subtle sweetness to round out the dressing.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Injects brightness and gentle acidity.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: Infuses herbaceous notes typical of classic Italian flavors.
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone without overpowering.
- Pinch of cracked red pepper flakes: Gives just enough heat to excite the palate.
- Pinch of black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors with subtle spice.
How to Make Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the olive oil, red apple vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese, honey, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cracked red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth, flavorful dressing. This zesty marinade will infuse your tortellini with all the best flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes until tender and floating. Immediately drain and rinse the tortellini with cold water to halt cooking and help the pasta hold its shape on the kabobs.
Step 3: Marinate the Tortellini
Place the cooled tortellini in a large resealable plastic bag or container and pour in the prepared dressing. Seal the bag, pressing out excess air, and toss gently until the tortellini is fully coated. Let the pasta marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or, even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more vibrant and packed with flavor the kabobs become.
Step 4: Assemble the Kabobs
Now for the fun part! Take cocktail skewers and thread on the marinated tortellini, folded slices of salami, provolone squares, olives, and cherry tomatoes in any order you like. Each skewer becomes a gorgeous and perfectly portioned bite filled with a balance of texture and taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe on a platter and serve immediately. These kabobs are made for sharing and devouring right away, making them a fantastic appetizer to delight guests or family alike.
How to Serve Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe even more, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving. This adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of green that looks as gorgeous as it tastes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can also add an extra touch of decadence.
Side Dishes
These kabobs pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple arugula and lemon salad to keep the meal light and balanced. Alternatively, serve alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for a heartier touch. They’re also lovely alongside a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve your kabobs standing upright in a block of chilled floral foam wrapped with fresh herbs or in a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper. For parties, consider plate them on a tiered serving tray to create an eye-catching display. Mini colorful bowls for dipping sauces such as pesto or marinara alongside create added layers of flavor and fun interaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe, simply transfer them to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Just be aware the texture of the tofuellini might soften the next day, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
Freezing these kabobs isn’t recommended since the texture of the tortellini and fresh ingredients can be compromised when thawed. For best results, prepare fresh and enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them a bit warm, remove the kabobs from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. You can also gently warm the tortellini alone in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, then reassemble with the cold meats and veggies for a more freshly warmed effect.
FAQs
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just cook the dried tortellini according to package instructions and cool it before marinating. The flavors will still blend wonderfully, but fresh refrigerated pasta keeps the texture slightly softer and more delicate.
Can I substitute the salami for another meat?
Of course! You can swap salami with pepperoni, prosciutto, or even grilled chicken cubes for variation. Each brings a different flavor profile while keeping the kabobs deliciously meaty.
How long can I marinate the tortellini?
Marinating the tortellini for at least 3 hours is ideal to absorb those beautiful flavors, but overnight is even better. Just make sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours, or the pasta can get too soft.
Are these kabobs suitable for a vegetarian diet?
This Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe includes salami, which is a meat product, so it’s not vegetarian as is. However, you can easily leave out the salami and add more veggies or substitute with marinated tofu or roasted mushrooms to keep it meat-free and just as tasty.
Can I make these kabobs gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini available at many stores, and double-check other ingredients like salami and dressings to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious kabobs without worry.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about the Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe that brings people together over fresh flavors and simple pleasures. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just jazz up weeknight snack time, these little bites never disappoint. Give them a try, and prepare to be amazed at how such an easy recipe delivers so much deliciousness in every bite!
Print
Mini Tortellini Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 12 kabobs, approximately 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Mini Tortellini Kabobs are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer combining marinated cheese tortellini, savory salami, fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, and provolone cheese squares. These skewers are perfect for parties or a light snack, offering a flavorful Italian-inspired bite with a tangy, herb-infused dressing.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red apple vinegar
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cracked red pepper flakes
- Pinch of black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 oz provolone cheese (cut into small squares)
- 50 thin slices salami
- 25 pimiento-stuffed green olives
- 25 small cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine olive oil, red apple vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese, honey, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cracked red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth marinade.
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Marinate the Tortellini: Place the cooked tortellini into a Ziploc bag and pour in the prepared dressing. Seal the bag and gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Kabobs: Thread marinated tortellini, folded slices of salami, provolone cheese squares, pimiento-stuffed olives, and cherry tomatoes alternately onto cocktail skewers to create colorful and flavorful kabobs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the kabobs on a serving platter and serve immediately for a fresh and tasty appetizer.
Notes
- Marinating the tortellini overnight enhances flavor absorption and improves taste.
- Use cocktail or small skewers for easy handling and serving.
- These kabobs are best served fresh after assembly to keep ingredients firm and fresh.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness level.
- Can be customized with different cheeses or cured meats as desired.
