Perfect for parties and gatherings, this recipe for antipasto skewers combines a variety of classic Italian flavors into convenient, bite-sized portions. With a mix of cured meats, cheese tortellini, olives and marinated vegetables, our antipasto skewers are easy-to-assemble appetizers that are customizable to suit any palate. Think of them as an antipasto platter on a stick. They’re ideal for picnics and backyard barbecues, but they also feel festive and bright enough for holiday get-togethers at the end of the year.
What is antipasto?
Antipasto (singular) and antipasti (plural) translate to “before the meal” in Italian. These traditional Italian appetizers, served before the pasta and the main meal, typically include a variety of bite-sized items showcasing a mix of flavors, textures and colors. You can use marinated mozzarella, ribbons or cubes of cured meat (salami, mortadella and pepperoni are all popular), cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, green and black olives, fresh basil leaves, sun-dried tomatoes and even small fruits like grapes.
Ingredients for Antipasto Skewers
- Cheese tortellini: Use bite-sized cheese tortellini to ensure they stay securely on the skewers and are easy to eat. You can use refrigerated, frozen or dried tortellini; just cook them according to the package instructions before marinating them.
- Olives: Use various types of olives like pimiento-stuffed olives, kalamata, castelvetrano, black olives or green olives stuffed with garlic or almonds for an added twist. If you need some guidance, check out our list of the best olives that you can buy at almost any grocery store.
- Italian salad dressing: The flavorful and easy marinade can be your favorite store-bought brand or a quick homemade Italian dressing.
- Pepperoni: There are several different types of pepperoni, all of which work in this recipe: full-sized pepperoni, with its classic look and chewy texture; mini pepperoni, which has fun visual appeal, thanks to the tiny, perfectly skewer-able slices; and turkey pepperoni, for a lower-fat option.
- Hard salami: This cured meat brings a robust, savory flavor and firm texture to the skewers. You can also use prosciutto, bresaola, mortadella, soppressata or any other charcuterie board meats.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare and marinate the ingredients
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, then drain and rinse them in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the tortellini, olives and salad dressing. Toss to coat them in the dressing, then cover and refrigerate them for four hours or overnight.
Step 2: Assemble the skewers
Drain the tortellini and olives and discard the marinade. For each appetizer, thread a stuffed olive, a folded pepperoni slice, a tortellini, a folded salami piece and a ripe olive onto a toothpick or short skewer.
Editor’s Tip: You can alternate the ingredients or add more or less of anything as you go along. The idea is to make things as visually appealing as possible.
Recipe Variations
- Load up on veggies: For a colorful and flavorful touch, stack your skewers with marinated vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, roasted zucchini slices, bell pepper strips and pepperoncini.
- Slide on seafood: To make these skewers more substantial, add shrimp, smoked salmon, sardines or anchovy fillets.
- Switch the marinade: You can change the flavor of your skewers with other sauces like pesto oil, aioli or balsamic glaze.
- Add cheese: Mix and match mozzarella balls, aged provolone cubes, Parmesan chunks, feta cubes, pecorino, Gorgonzola crumbles and sharp cheddar cubes for a cheesy addition to your antipasto skewers.
How to Store Antipasto Skewers
Although antipasto skewers are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add dressings or any other final touches just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
Can you make antipasto skewers ahead of time?
You can prepare the skewer ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. The tortellini can be cooked up to two days in advance and marinated with the other ingredients at least one day in advance. Assemble the skewers a few hours before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Antipasto Skewers Tips
Can you make antipasti without skewers?
If you don’t have kebab-style skewers you can arrange the ingredients on a plate to make an antipasto platter, or spread them on a bed of lettuce to make an antipasto salad for an equally delicious, deconstructed version.
What can you serve with antipasto skewers?
Serve antipasto skewers with crusty homemade bread or soft focaccia. Fresh fruits such as grapes, berries, figs and melon with prosciutto offer a refreshing and sweet contrast. Pair antipasto skewers with hearty dips and spreads like hummus, stuffed olive spread, baba ganoush, tapenade or artichoke dip. Mixed nuts, small stuffed peppers and pickled vegetables offer a crunchy and tangy complement.
