If you want a true showstopper for your next party platter, look no further than these vibrant, crave-worthy Antipasto Skewers! Each skewer is a colorful parade of Italian flavors—salty meats, creamy cheese, tangy veggies, and pillowy tortellini—all dressed in an herby vinaigrette you’ll want to drizzle on everything. They’re fun to make, guaranteed to impress, and just about impossible to stop eating after one bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Impressive: Antipasto Skewers are a breeze to assemble but look absolutely stunning on any table, perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays.
- Irresistible Flavor Variety: From the zippy dressing on pillowy tortellini to the salty bite of salami and tender mozzarella, every skewer is loaded with irresistible Italian-inspired tastes.
- Totally Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite cheeses, veggies, or cured meats—this recipe plays nicely with nearly any pantry item you’d find on an antipasto platter!
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep most components in advance, making these Antipasto Skewers the ultimate stress-free (and completely delicious) appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, these Antipasto Skewers manage to deliver big, bold, and satisfying flavors in every bite. Each piece adds something special—whether it’s color, creaminess, tang, or crunch—to make these skewers utterly irresistible.
- Cheese Tortellini: The pillowy pasta brings hearty substance and soaks up the herby vinaigrette beautifully. Look for fresh or frozen in the refrigerated section.
- Large Olives (Castelvetrano or Kalamata): Olives offer a burst of savory brine that helps balance the richness of the cheeses and meats.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, these add gorgeous color and fresh pop to every skewer.
- Genoa Salami: Thin-sliced salami gives a peppery, salty flavor punch that’s pure antipasto magic.
- Prosciutto: Silky and delicately salty, prosciutto is a must for that true Italian antipasto flair.
- Baby Mozzarella Balls: Little balls of fresh mozzarella add creaminess and soak up the vinaigrette so well.
- Sharp Provolone Cheese: Cubes of provolone lend a tangy, bold contrast to the softer flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Torn basil leaves provide earthy fragrance and a lovely burst of green.
- Chopped Artichoke Hearts: These give a subtle tang and tender bite—try marinated artichokes for bonus flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, they add eye-catching color and deep flavor.
- Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Honey, and Garlic: These create the zesty homemade dressing that ties every element together.
- Salt & Black Pepper: A pinch of each sharpens and balances the vinaigrette.
- Long Wooden Skewers: The vessel for all the good stuff!
Variations
The beauty of Antipasto Skewers is how ridiculously flexible they are—don’t be afraid to swap things in and out to fit what you have, what you love, or dietary needs. Your creativity is truly the only limit here!
- Vegetarian Skewers: Skip the meats and add grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted eggplant for a totally meatless version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with marinated mushrooms for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Add More Veggies: Try skewering colorful bell peppers, pepperoncini, or crisp cucumber slices to amp up the freshness and crunch.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Swap in cubes of fontina, smoked gouda, or even marinated feta for a fun new flavor twist.
How to Make Antipasto Skewers
Step 1: Cook and Dress the Tortellini
Start by boiling the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—make sure to keep them al dente so they don’t break when threading. Once drained, rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking, then toss with a generous portion of the homemade dressing and set aside to marinate. This step infuses the pasta with loads of herby, zesty flavor and really kicks up the whole skewer experience.
Step 2: Make the Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, fresh basil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and fragrant—the color alone will make your mouth water. Taste and tweak the salt or acidity if necessary, then set aside for both marinating and drizzling later.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
This is where the fun begins! Grab a long wooden skewer and start threading: a tortellini, an olive, a cherry tomato, a slice each of salami and prosciutto (folded), a baby mozzarella ball, a cube of sharp provolone, bits of basil, artichoke heart, and roasted red pepper. Play with the order for pretty color contrast and feel free to mix and match for variety—no two Antipasto Skewers have to look exactly the same.
Step 4: Plate and Drizzle
Arrange the finished skewers on a large platter. Just before serving, give them a light drizzle of extra dressing for shine and even more punchy flavor. Garnish with more torn basil or a scatter of parsley if you like. They’re now ready for every hand to reach in and grab one!
Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Skewers
- The Skewer Shuffle: Alternate sturdy and delicate items—start each skewer with a pasta or cheese to anchor everything, and tuck basil in-between proteins to prevent tearing!
- Marinate for Max Flavor: Give the tortellini and mozzarella some time to soak in that tangy dressing—at least 15 minutes, but a few hours ahead makes them even better.
- Fold (Don’t Roll) the Meats: Fold your salami and prosciutto slices into gentle ribbons or fans for extra volume and a more enticing, bite-sized look on your Antipasto Skewers.
- Chill the Skewers: If making ahead, arrange your tray, cover, and refrigerate for up to four hours—they’ll stay fresh, snappy, and ready for your guests with minimum fuss.
How to Serve Antipasto Skewers
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle your Antipasto Skewers with extra torn basil, fresh parsley, or even some shaved Parmesan cheese. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds both visual flair and an extra hit of flavor.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with crusty Italian bread, marinated olives, or a big green salad tossed with the same vinaigrette. They also shine alongside classic offerings like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms at any antipasto-inspired gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Antipasto Skewers on a wooden board for a rustic touch, or insert them upright in a decorative vase for a playful “bouquet” centerpiece. For cocktail parties, serve smaller “mini-skewers” in shot glasses or line them across the rim of martinis for an unforgettable bite-sized starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Antipasto Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If possible, reserve extra dressing, adding a fresh drizzle just before serving leftovers to keep everything moist and bursting with flavor. Enjoy them within 2 days for best texture.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended for Antipasto Skewers—the cheeses, veggies, and pasta may lose their ideal texture—you can freeze leftover salami and prosciutto separately, tightly wrapped, for future use.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these; Antipasto Skewers are designed to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, which makes them so convenient for parties. Simply let them sit out for 10–15 minutes if they’ve been refrigerated, and give them a fresh drizzle of dressing before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Antipasto Skewers in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare most of the skewers up to four hours ahead of time—just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. For best results, add extra dressing and basil right before serving for maximum freshness and color.
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What can I use if I don’t have tortellini?
If tortellini is unavailable, try using cheese ravioli cut into smaller pieces, cooked farfalle, or simply add more veggies like marinated mushrooms for a similar bite and flavor profile.
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Can I use store-bought Italian dressing instead of homemade?
You certainly can in a pinch! However, the homemade basil vinaigrette truly elevates these Antipasto Skewers and doesn’t take long to make. If using store-bought, look for one with lots of herbs and a bright, zesty flavor.
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Are Antipasto Skewers gluten-free?
As written, they are not gluten-free because of the tortellini, but you can easily substitute gluten-free tortellini or omit it altogether in favor of extra cheese or veggies to keep the spirit—and the flavor—alive!
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your guests (and maybe yourself) with a platter of beautiful, flavor-packed Antipasto Skewers? Trust me, these little bites are a guaranteed hit for any gathering, big or small. I hope you’ll make them part of your next celebration—have fun mixing, matching, and, of course, savoring every last delicious piece!
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 that is perfect for any gathering. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, these skewers are not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. They are easy to assemble and can be customized to suit your preferences.
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.
- Assemble skewers: Thread tortellini, olives, tomatoes, meats, cheeses, peppers, basil, and artichokes onto skewers. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with more vinaigrette.
- Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare in advance: Toss tortellini and mozzarella with 1/3 cup dressing. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Notes
- Double the recipe if needed.
- Recipe can be halved.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
