Antipasto Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Antipasto Skewers are quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and don’t require any cooking. They’re ideal for entertaining because they can be made ahead, are easy to serve, and require no utensils. With a mix of textures and savory flavors—salty, creamy, briny, and herby—every skewer is like a mini Italian feast. Whether you’re making a few or a few dozen, these skewers will impress every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cherry tomatoes
• Mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• Kalamata or green olives (pitted)
• Salami or pepperoni slices, folded
• Marinated artichoke hearts
• Roasted red pepper strips
• Fresh basil leaves
• Tortellini (optional, cooked and cooled)
• Balsamic glaze or olive oil (for drizzling)
• Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Directions

1. Prep all ingredients by draining, slicing, or folding as needed. If using tortellini, cook according to package directions and cool completely.
2. On each skewer or toothpick, assemble the ingredients in alternating order for color and variety. A typical order might be: olive, salami, mozzarella, tomato, artichoke, and basil.
3. Continue assembling until all ingredients are used.
4. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
5. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving for extra flavor and shine.
6. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 skewers.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add marinated mushrooms, pickled onions, or extra cheese.
• Add Pasta: Include cooked tortellini or gnocchi for a heartier skewer.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
• Spicy Version: Use hot soppressata and pepperoncini peppers for a spicy bite.
• Mini Skewers: Use cocktail toothpicks for smaller, one-bite appetizers.

Storage/Reheating

• Store assembled skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Do not freeze, as the texture of fresh vegetables and cheeses will change.
• If making ahead, keep basil leaves and any drizzled glaze separate until just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Best served chilled or at room temperature within a few hours of assembling.

FAQs

Can I make antipasto skewers ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to a day in advance. Just wait to add basil or drizzle glaze until right before serving.

What’s the best cheese for these skewers?

Mozzarella balls are classic, but cubed provolone or marinated feta also work well.

Can I use metal skewers?

Yes, but for serving at parties or events, disposable wooden skewers or toothpicks are more practical.

Do I need to cook anything?

No, unless you’re adding tortellini or other cooked elements. Most ingredients are ready to eat.

Can I use store-bought marinated vegetables?

Absolutely. Jarred artichokes, roasted peppers, or olives save time and add tons of flavor.

Are these gluten-free?

They are if you skip pasta and confirm that your meats and marinades are gluten-free.

How long can they sit out?

For food safety, they should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can I add fruit?

Yes! Grapes or melon cubes pair nicely with salty meats and cheeses.

What kind of salami works best?

Use thinly sliced genoa, soppressata, or pepperoni. Fold or roll slices to fit on skewers.

What can I serve with them?

Serve with crusty bread, dips like hummus or pesto, or as part of a larger charcuterie spread.

Conclusion

Antipasto Skewers are a delicious and eye-catching appetizer that delivers all the bold flavors of a traditional antipasto platter in a fun, portable format. With endless possibilities for customization, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd, impressing guests, or enjoying a no-fuss snack full of Mediterranean charm. Easy to prep, easy to serve, and always a hit—these skewers deserve a spot at your next gathering.

Antipasto Skewers

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Antipasto Skewers are a vibrant, no-cook appetizer featuring a colorful mix of Italian-inspired ingredients like cured meats, cheese, olives, and vegetables, all served on skewers for easy snacking. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for bold, savory bites.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 20 skewers
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 20 mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• 20 pitted Kalamata or green olives
• 20 slices salami or pepperoni, folded
• 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 jar roasted red pepper strips
• 20 fresh basil leaves
• Optional: 20 cooked and cooled cheese tortellini
• Balsamic glaze or olive oil, for drizzling
• 20 wooden skewers or long toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Prep all ingredients: drain marinated items, slice red peppers, and fold meats. Cook and cool tortellini if using.
2. Assemble each skewer by layering ingredients in desired order—suggested: olive, salami, mozzarella, tomato, artichoke, basil.
3. Repeat to assemble all skewers.
4. Arrange skewers on a platter for serving.
5. Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze or olive oil just before serving.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Notes

• Wait to add basil or glaze until just before serving for best freshness.
• Use cocktail picks for smaller, one-bite skewers for parties.
• Marinated vegetables add great flavor—use jarred options to save time.
• For a gluten-free version, skip pasta and double-check meat and marinade labels.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg