Name: Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 large green olives; 8 Genoa salami slices, halved; 8 mini mozzarella cheese balls; 8 large basil leaves; 8 grape tomatoes; 8 cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled; 8 large black olives; 1/4 cup good vinegar (Champagne, sherry, or balsamic); 2/3 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 clove garlic, finely minced (or 2 teaspoons minced shallots); 2 teaspoons honey; 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper; 1/2 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Crunchy olives, soft mozzarella, and peppery salami come together in a handheld bite of pure delight with this Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe. It's the kind of appetizer that instantly transports you to an Italian trattoria, all with barely any effort.

There is a row of skewers laid on a long white plate over a white marbled surface with a beige striped cloth nearby. Each skewer has five layers: at the bottom is a large green olive, followed by a folded slice of red salami, then a white round mozzarella ball wrapped partially with salami, a dark green spinach leaf with a handful of herbs, and a bright red grape tomato. At the top is another folded slice of salami, a yellow stuffed tortellini, and a dark purple olive with a sprinkle of herbs and black pepper. The skewers are wooden and the whole setup looks fresh and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These skewers are a total crowd-pleaser and one of my go-to appetizers because they pack big flavor in a tiny bite. Plus, they’re so versatile—you can prep them ahead and chill, making party hosting way less stressful.

Super Simple to Assemble: Only a few ingredients and minimal prep means you’re not stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Salty, tangy, creamy, and fresh all in one skewer.
Customizable: You can swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or occasion.
Great Make-Ahead Option: Assemble these up to a day in advance to save yourself time on the big day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each component in this Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe was chosen to complement the others and create that layered Italian flavor profile we all adore. When shopping, look for good quality cured meats and fresh herbs—you'll really notice the difference.

Flat lay of large green olives, large black olives, halved slices of Genoa salami, mini mozzarella cheese balls, large fresh basil leaves, grape tomatoes, cooked and cooled cheese tortellini, small white ceramic bowls with golden extra-virgin olive oil, amber honey, pale Dijon mustard, sherry vinegar, and finely minced garlic, small piles of chopped fresh chives, fresh basil, and fresh parsley, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green Olives: Their briny punch cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
Genoa Salami: Offers a spicy, savory element essential to antipasto.
Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and mild, they balance the bold flavors.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds aromatic freshness that lifts the entire skewer.
Grape Tomatoes: Juicy sweetness to contrast the salty bits.
Cheese Tortellini: A fun surprise and adds a satisfying chew.
Black Olives: Another layer of briny depth and color contrast.
Vinegar (Champagne, Sherry, or Balsamic): Gives the dressing acidity that brightens flavors.
Salt & Dijon Mustard: Essential for seasoning and a mild tang.
Garlic or Minced Shallots: Provides subtle aromatic warmth.
Honey: Just a touch to balance the acidity with gentle sweetness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: The dressing base that coats and melds everything together.
Fresh Ground Pepper & Herbs (Chives, Basil, Parsley): Adds complexity and freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching things up depending on the season or occasion. These skewers welcome creativity, so feel free to customize away—it's all about making them your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped out Genoa salami for prosciutto, and the result was just as delicious, a bit sweeter and silky. Great if you want to change up textures.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meats and add marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for a fresh twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a small slice of pepperoncini or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the dressing if you like heat.
Herb Swaps: Try fresh oregano or mint for a unique herbal note if you're feeling adventurous.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Tortellini

First thing, get your cheese tortellini cooked according to package directions. You want them tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain, rinse under cold water, and spread them out on a baking sheet so they cool quickly without sticking. I learned the hard way that warm tortellini make the skewers soggy!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic or shallots, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Then slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing—it should be smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped chives, basil, and parsley for an herby punch. This dressing is where all the flavor magic happens.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Grab sturdy toothpicks or small skewers and thread your ingredients in this order for a balanced bite: start with a green olive, fold a Genoa salami half, add a mozzarella ball, then a fresh basil leaf, a grape tomato, a piece of tortellini, and finish with a black olive. Repeat the process until everything's used up.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing and Chill

Place the assembled skewers in a shallow dish or tray and drizzle the dressing over them evenly. Toss gently if you can without breaking the skewers, or just turn them carefully to coat each side. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.

Top Tip

From the first time I made these skewers, I realized a few tricks make all the difference. These tips help you get consistent flavor and presentation every time.

Chill the Tortellini Thoroughly: Warm pasta can make the skewers soggy and messy, so make sure it’s completely cooled before assembling.
Use Good Quality Olive Oil: It really lifts the dressing and adds its own little peppery note that brightens everything.
Herbs Matter: Fresh herbs aren’t optional here — they give life to the dressing and provide that signature Italian aroma.
Assemble Just Before Serving if Possible: These skewers hold up well for hours, but they look their best and taste freshest when plated within a few hours of assembly.

How to Serve Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these skewers with a little extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of green. Sometimes I add a few caper berries on the side too — they’re a beautiful garnish and bring an extra briny punch to the plate.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine when paired with a crisp green salad or alongside a bowl of warm Italian wedding soup. For bigger meals, try them with grilled polenta or a crusty baguette to soak up any leftover dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the skewers standing upright in a decorative glass or vase filled with dried beans or rice — it’s an eye-catching way to serve finger food. Another fun idea is to place them on a large ceramic platter with small bowls of extra dressing for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, just place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, though the tortellini may soak up more dressing and get softer over time.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal here because the fresh ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes don’t thaw well, turning mushy. I recommend enjoying these skewers fresh or refrigerated only.

Reheating

Since this dish is best served cold or room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Let leftovers come to room temp before serving to bring out their flavors again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these antipasto skewers vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese and salami, and add marinated veggies like artichokes, roasted peppers, and chickpeas for protein. Use a vegan dressing with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and herbs to keep the flavor bright.

How far ahead can I prepare these skewers?

You can assemble and dress the skewers up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep them refrigerated in a covered dish. Bringing them out about 20 minutes before serving helps the flavors shine.

What can I substitute for tortellini if I can’t find it?

You can swap tortellini for cooked small pasta shapes like mini ravioli, cavatappi, or even cooked gnocchi. Just be sure to cool them completely before assembling to avoid sogginess.

How do I keep the basil from wilting on the skewers?

To keep basil fresh, assemble the skewers close to serving time and store them in a single layer, covered with plastic wrap to avoid moisture build-up. You can also gently pat the leaves dry before assembling and avoid overdressing the skewers.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe has earned a special spot in my recipe arsenal because it somehow makes entertaining look effortless yet elegant. The vivid Italian flavors bring people together, and every time I serve them, they vanish quicker than I expect. I can’t wait for you to try them and make a few of your own memories—and tweaks—in the kitchen!