Name: Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 long wooden skewers; 1 (16-ounce) package cheese tortellini; 40 large olives (Castelvetrano 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 and chopped into small pieces; 1/2 cup (113 ml) olive oil; 3 tablespoons (42 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil; 2 tablespoons (28 ml) red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon (18 ml) honey; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Bursts of color, loads of Italian flavor, and a fabulously fun presentation all come together in this Antipasto Skewers Recipe. It’s that magical combination of cheese, marinated veggies, salami, prosciutto, fresh basil, and pillowy tortellini all drizzled with a zippy homemade basil dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, picnic, potluck, or just an elevated weeknight snack, these skewers are a true crowd-pleaser and a breeze to pull together. Each skewer tastes like a little Italian festival, and you’ll love how quickly this recipe becomes everyone’s favorite appetizer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together your Antipasto Skewers Recipe is wonderfully simple, but every ingredient has a special job, from adding creamy bites to pops of savory flavor and vibrant color. Here’s what you need (and why you need it!):

Long wooden skewers: Essential for easy assembling and serving—plus, they look stylish on a platter.
Cheese tortellini: Little pasta pillows lend heartiness, soak up the zesty dressing, and give each skewer a fun twist.
Large olives (Castelvetrano or Kalamata): Choose your favorite for either buttery, mild Castelvetranos or briny Kalamatas—either way, they add an irresistible savory touch.
Plump cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, these beauties add sweetness, acidity, and a fresh red pop.
Thin slices Genoa salami: For a classic Italian taste and luscious, peppery bite.
Thin slices prosciutto: This melt-in-your-mouth cured meat gives each bite a delicate richness.
Baby mozzarella balls: Creamy, fresh, and just the right size—they balance the sharpness of other cheeses.
Cubes sharp provolone cheese: Bold, tangy, and a perfect flavor contrast to milder cheeses.
Basil, torn: Fragrant herbaceous notes elevate everything on the skewer while adding bright green color.
Chopped artichoke hearts: Tender bites that add Mediterranean flair and a touch of tanginess.
Roasted red peppers, chopped: Sweet, smoky, and colorful—these are the secret to layers of flavor.
Olive oil: A good quality oil creates a luscious base for the dressing; don’t skimp here.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang to the basil dressing.
Fresh basil: For a punch of freshness and unmistakable Italian flair in the dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the oils and lifts every other flavor.
Honey: Just a touch gives the dressing a gentle rounded sweetness.
Fresh garlic, minced: A sharp garlicky bite is the backbone of all great Italian dressings.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to bring everything together and let the real flavors shine through.

How to Make Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Aim for perfectly al dente—they’ll hold up best on skewers and absorb more dressing without getting mushy. Quickly drain and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Marinate the Tortellini

Toss the freshly cooked and cooled tortellini in about a third of your prepared basil dressing. Let them sit while you prep everything else; this extra step infuses them with flavor and ensures your Antipasto Skewers Recipe is bursting with herby goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

Now for the fun part: assembly! Thread the marinated tortellini, olives, cherry tomatoes, Genoa salami, prosciutto, baby mozzarella balls, sharp provolone cubes, torn basil, chopped artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers onto the wooden skewers. Mix and match for color and balance—each skewer is a mini work of edible art!

Step 4: Make the Basil Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, basil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and vibrant green, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing is bold, fresh, and entirely irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange your completed antipasto skewers on a large platter, then drizzle generously with dressing. Pop them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours, so all those robust flavors can mingle. Serve cold or at cool room temperature—guaranteed hit!

How to Serve Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, add extra torn basil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or freshly cracked black pepper just before serving. A light grating of Parmesan over the top gives a lovely salty flourish and amps up the Italian flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your Antipasto Skewers Recipe with crisp crostini, airy focaccia, or a bowl of marinated olives. If you’re serving a crowd, a vibrant Italian chopped salad or even grilled vegetables make a gorgeous and satisfying spread—let the flavors play off each other for a true antipasto feast!

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the platter: poke skewers into a head of cabbage or arrange upright in a vase for eye-catching displays. For cocktail parties, serve them in tall glasses with a drizzle of extra dressing. For picnics, wrap individually in parchment paper for both style and practicality.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers keep beautifully. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For maximum freshness, keep a small jar of extra dressing to refresh the skewers right before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for the Antipasto Skewers Recipe because the fresh cheeses, veggies, and dressing will lose texture and become watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy them freshly made or within a couple of days.

Reheating

These skewers are at their best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer them slightly warmer (especially on chilly days), allow the skewers to rest out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Antipasto Skewers Recipe the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the skewers and store them covered in the refrigerator. Wait to drizzle the extra dressing and add any garnishes right before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

What other vegetables can I add to the skewers?

Roasted zucchini, marinated mushrooms, or sliced pepperoncini all work beautifully. Antipasto Skewers Recipe is adaptable, so use what you love or what’s in season.

What can I use instead of tortellini?

If you’re out of tortellini, mini ravioli or small balls of cooked cheese gnocchi are delicious substitutes. You can even go pasta-free for a lighter, lower-carb version.

Is there a vegetarian version of Antipasto Skewers Recipe?

For a vegetarian spin, skip the salami and prosciutto, and double up on marinated veggies like artichokes, olives, and peppers. Add sun-dried tomatoes or grilled eggplant for extra flavor.

Can I use bottled dressing instead of homemade?

If you’re short on time, a high-quality Italian dressing can work in a pinch. However, making the fresh basil dressing for your Antipasto Skewers Recipe really makes the flavors pop and takes the presentation to another level.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this vibrant Antipasto Skewers Recipe and make it your own! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter, travels well, and turns any gathering into an instant celebration. Here’s to easy elegance, loads of flavor, and bringing a little more joy into every bite!

Antipasto Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 skewers 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Antipasto Skewers are a delightful and colorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. With a variety of flavors and textures, they are sure to impress your guests.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain and rinse them quickly in cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the cooked tortellini in 1/3 cup of the dressing, then set aside.
Prepare the Skewers: Thread the tortellini, olives, tomatoes, slices of Genoa salami, prosciutto, mozzarella balls, provolone cubes, basil leaves, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers onto the wooden skewers. Feel free to mix and match the ingredients to your preference for a fun, colorful variety.
Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and taste for seasoning. Adjust as necessary.
Assemble and Serve: Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, adding more as desired. Refrigerate the skewers for at least 15 minutes, and up to 4 hours, for the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Mixing, Assembling
Cuisine: Italian