Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto Skewers are a super easy and delicious appetizer, perfect for any occasion. Colorful and full of flavor, these are true crowd pleaser!

This is a great way to shake up dinner time or an easy way to serve appetizers. Some fan favorites include Caprese skewers, Antipasto Salad and Caprese Salad.

Antipasto skewers with cheese, olives, meats, spinach and cheese on a plate.

Antipasto Appetizer Skewers

Antipasto is one of my favorite salads. It’s a classic combination of pasta and typical Italian meats, cheese and olives. It’s all sandwiched with tomatoes, basil, artichokes and drizzled with balsamic glaze. The glaze is optional, but it add so much zing and flavor to the skewers, you will love it.

Antipasto skewers are super easy to assemble. You can make them all the same or mix it up. Just make sure you include all the ingredients on all the skewers. No one wants to be left out from this goodness. If you are making for a crowd, you might want to double the recipe. These will go fast. Everyone loves these. Antipasto is usually served as a platter, but taking a few more minutes to pre assemble them into skewers will make you a hero. It’s easy for everyone to eat and enjoy!

Ingredients for Italian Skewers

When it comes to antipasto skewers, there is no definite recipe. These are all suggestions. Include and exclude according to your tastes. Including all of these ingredients however, will make the best antipasto skewers ever! They include all the key components of a great antipasto!

Cheese Tortellini: Perfect size and shape for skewers.
Kalamata Olives: Be sure to buy already pitted olives.
Grape Tomatoes: These are a good size for the skewers and not quite as juicy as cherry tomatoes.
Salami: Use your favorite brand of bite sized salami
Pepperoni: Use your favorite brand!
Marinated Artichokes: You will find these with the canned vegetables usually.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Truly these are the best!
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds incredible flavor and color.
Balsamic Glaze: Don’t skip! It’s divine.
Wooden Skewers: To make your antipasto skewers with.

How to Assemble Antipasto Skewers

There isn’t any rhyme or rhythm to how you assemble your skewers. You’ll just want to include all the ingredients. You can make them all the same or mix it up. It’s up to you!

Cook: Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Rinse in cold water
Assemble: Thread each skewer with each ingredient.
Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.

Ingredients for antipasto skewers on a cutting board ready to be assembled.

What is Antipasto?

When an antipasto salad, or platter or these skewers hits the table everyone gets excited. With it’s luscious combination of olives, tomatoes, cheese and cured meats it is huge favorite. So what exactly is Antipasto?

Antipasto: Antipasto is derived from latin which means “before” and “meal.” So antipasto literally refers to the dish that comes before others. Its origins come from Italy where it was tradition to have antipasto before a formal Italian meal. Typical ingredients of a traditional antipasto include cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses, pickled meats, and vegetables in oil or vinegar. Breads similar to a baguette or thin breadsticks are often served with antipasto platters. They can vary according to regions and are often meant to whet the appetite and be visually stunning as well as delicious.
Salad: One of the best ways to serve antipasto nowadays is in the form of a salad. It puts all the goodness of the antipasto board into the ease of a salad you can eat with a fork. It’s a staple at picnics and potlucks because of its cured meats and pickled vegetables it can stay at room temperature a lot longer than some of other potluck favorites such as potato salad. Making them as these appetizer skewers is an easy way to serve this winning combination of foods!

Layering ingredients on skewers for antipasto skewers.

Tips and Variations for Easy Antipasto Skewers

Visually stunning and super appetizing, these antipasto skewers are must make. They will be the hit of the party!

Skewers: Wooden skewers are cheap and you don’t have to worry about getting them back. If you are worried about splinters you can soak them before threading the antipasto.
Meats: Any of your favorite cured meats will be perfect in these skewers. I like to use the bite sized salami instead of the large ones. Pepperoni, prosciutto, and bigger cuts can be folded over to be made smaller.
Basil: Not everyone is a fan of basil, especially a whole leaf. Substitute some or all of the basil with spinach. It’s mild but still has that vibrant green color.
Vegetables: Grape tomatoes add a nice fresh balance to the richness of the cheese and meats. You can use cucumber slices to also help break up the richness if you wish. For extra kick use whole pepperoncini as well.
Tortellini: Try using a tri-colored tortellini to add even more color and pizazz.
Olives: Kalamata olives are a favorite, but feel free to use any combination of olives. Using more than one olive adds more depth to your skewers.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds zing and richness to the antipasto skewers, which you will love. I recommend buying your balsamic glaze, it’s easy, tastes amazing and you won’t regret not having to make your own!

Can You Make Antipasto Skewers in Advance?

Make Ahead: Antipasto skewers can be made up to a day ahead. Don’t drizzle with the glaze till ready to serve.
Store: Keep skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can combine leftovers for a quick salad if you wish.

Up close look at an antipasto skewer layered with ingredients.

More Appealing Appetizers To Try

Appetizers are some of the best foods out there. It’s probably why restaurants offer entire platters of just appetizers for dinner. They’re small mini bites of luscious combinations of foods. It’s a great way to try new foods or indulgent foods in small increments. Having appetizers is a great way to try something new, and be adventurous. So when you need an appetizer for a party or if you just want to create an entire meal from appetizers, reach for these favorite recipes.