Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These skewers are incredibly easy to assemble and require no cooking, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining. They’re visually appealing, customizable, and packed with a variety of textures and flavors—from salty and savory to fresh and tangy. Plus, they’re perfect for serving a crowd without much effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry tomatoes
mozzarella balls
salami slices
pepperoni slices
black or green olives
artichoke hearts
roasted red peppers
fresh basil leaves
olive oil
italian seasoning
black pepper
wooden skewers or toothpicks
Directions
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Drain the mozzarella balls and olives, and cut larger items like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces.
Take a skewer or toothpick and begin assembling by threading a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf folded in half.
Add a mozzarella ball, then fold and skewer a slice of salami or pepperoni.
Continue layering with an olive, a piece of artichoke heart, and a strip of roasted red pepper.
Repeat the process until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling.
Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter.
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and black pepper before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 to 16 skewers, serving 4 to 6 people as an appetizer.
Preparation time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes, with no cooking required.
Variations
You can switch up the ingredients based on your preferences. Add cubes of cheddar or provolone cheese, include marinated mushrooms, or use prosciutto instead of salami. For a vegetarian option, skip the meats and add more vegetables like cucumber or zucchini slices. A balsamic glaze drizzle can also enhance the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best freshness, cover them tightly to prevent drying out. These skewers are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I make antipasto skewers ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until serving.
What type of skewers should I use?
Small wooden skewers or sturdy toothpicks work best for easy serving.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meats and add more vegetables or cheese.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella balls are popular, but cheddar, provolone, or feta also work well.
How do I keep basil from wilting?
Add basil just before serving or keep the skewers tightly covered in the fridge.
Can I add a dipping sauce?
Yes, pesto or a balsamic glaze makes a great accompaniment.
How long can they sit out?
They can sit at room temperature for about 2 hours safely.
Can I use different meats?
Absolutely, prosciutto, ham, or turkey slices are great alternatives.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re fun to eat and can be customized with milder ingredients.
Can I make larger skewers?
Yes, you can use longer skewers for a more substantial appetizer or light meal.
Conclusion
Antipasto skewers are a simple yet impressive appetizer that brings together classic Italian flavors in a convenient and stylish way. With endless customization options and minimal prep, they’re perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
PrintAntipasto Skewers
Colorful and flavorful antipasto skewers combine cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables into a convenient, bite-sized appetizer. Perfect for parties or quick snacks with no cooking required.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, drained
- 12 slices salami
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup black or green olives, drained
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 12–16 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12–16 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining and cutting larger items into bite-sized pieces.
- Take a skewer and thread a cherry tomato followed by a folded basil leaf.
- Add a mozzarella ball and a folded slice of salami or pepperoni.
- Thread an olive, a piece of artichoke heart, and a strip of roasted red pepper.
- Repeat layering until the skewer is filled, leaving space at both ends.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Swap meats with prosciutto, ham, or turkey for variation.
- Make vegetarian by omitting meats and adding extra vegetables.
- Add balsamic glaze or pesto for extra flavor.
- Assemble a few hours ahead and refrigerate until serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
