Name: 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

There’s just something so delightful about the colors and flavors coming together in my Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe. It’s the perfect little bite to make any gathering feel extra special, with every skewer delivering a fun explosion of zest, creaminess, and that unmistakable Italian flair.

The image shows six colorful appetizer skewers laid out in a row on a white rectangular plate. Each skewer starts with a large green olive at the bottom, followed by a fold of reddish salami, a round white mozzarella ball wrapped partly with green spinach leaves, a shiny red grape tomato, another folded slice of salami, a yellow tortellini pasta with herbs on it, and finished with a dark purple olive on top, all held by a wooden skewer. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth underneath, and some green parsley is visible in the background. 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 Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these Italian Antipasto Skewers because they’re wonderfully versatile, easy to assemble, and always impress guests without any fuss. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser that brings the best of Italian flavors right onto a simple stick!

Easy to Prepare: You can whip these up in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute snacks or party prep.
Flavor-Packed: From tangy olives to savory salami and fresh basil, every bite bursts with authentic Italian goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These skewers hold up wonderfully when prepped a few hours ahead, so you’re never stuck at the last minute.
Customizable: Whether you’re vegetarian, need gluten-free options, or want to add your favorite Italian treats, this recipe invites your personal spin.

The image shows a close-up of a colorful skewer held by a woman's hand. From the bottom up, the skewer has a green olive, a folded piece of thin pink salami, a white ball of cheese with herb seasoning, fresh green spinach leaves, a red cherry tomato, another folded slice of salami, a yellow cube of marinated cheese sprinkled with herbs, and a dark purple olive at the top. The layers each have distinct colors and textures, with glossy marinated surfaces and fresh leafy greens, all arranged on a wooden skewer. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred additional skewers and some greens in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe plays a role in delivering layers of texture and flavor that complement one another naturally. Choosing quality, fresh ingredients brings these little bites to life, and a quick tip: shop for mozzarella balls packed in water to keep them supple and fresh.

Flat lay of large green olives, large black olives, halved Genoa salami slices arranged flat, mini mozzarella cheese balls, large fresh basil leaves, bright red grape tomatoes, cooked and cooled cheese tortellini, small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, small white bowl of amber honey, small white bowl of light brown Dijon mustard, small white bowl of clear Champagne vinegar, small white bowl of finely minced garlic, small white bowl of chopped fresh chives, small white bowl of chopped fresh basil, small white bowl of chopped fresh parsley, small white bowl of fresh ground black pepper, small white bowl of coarse salt, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly symmetrical arrangement, in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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 tang adds a salty lift that wakes up the palate.
Genoa salami: Thin slices provide a punchy, savory character that’s unmistakably Italian.
Mini mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild, they balance the saltiness perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves: Bring aromatic freshness and a hint of peppery notes to the skewers.
Grape tomatoes: Juicy pops of sweet acidity brighten every bite.
Cheese tortellini: Cooked and cooled, these add a soft, pillowy texture for heartiness.
Black olives: Their deeper, earthier flavor complements their green cousins beautifully.
Vinegar (Champagne, Sherry, or Balsamic): Adds a subtle tang to the dressing that ties everything together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing flavors.
Dijon mustard: Provides a mild kick and emulsifies the dressing smoothly.
Garlic or Shallots: Finely minced, they lend savory depth without overpowering.
Honey: Just a touch to round out the acidity and add subtle sweetness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: The rich, fruity base for the dressing that coats each component.
Fresh herbs (chives, basil, parsley): Finely chopped to give layers of herbal brightness and color.

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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

What I love most about this Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap ingredients based on what’s fresh or what everyone likes. It’s your playground to experiment with flavors and textures that feel just right for you.

Vegetarian variation: Replace salami with grilled marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers to keep that bold flavor but stay meat-free.
Adding crunch: Try adding toasted pine nuts or thinly sliced radishes for a fresh bite contrast.
Seasonal twists: Swap fresh basil for mint or oregano in summer, or add sun-dried tomatoes in the winter months for deeper flavor.
Mini Mozzarella alternative: If you can’t find mini balls, small cubes of fresh mozzarella also work beautifully.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together your vinegar, salt, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (or shallots), honey, and freshly ground pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create a lovely emulsified dressing. Stir in the chopped herbs last. This dressing is truly what unifies all the flavors, so take your time here and taste as you go – you want a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Grab some bamboo or cocktail skewers and start layering your ingredients: a large green olive, half a Genoa salami slice folded over, a mozzarella ball, a fresh basil leaf, a grape tomato, a cheese tortellini, and finish with a large black olive. The order is flexible, but try to alternate colors and textures for a beautiful presentation. This layering pulls together the perfect bite — a little salty, creamy, herbal, and tangy all at once.

Step 3: Drizzle and Marinate

Once your skewers are arranged on a platter, lightly drizzle them with the herb vinaigrette you made earlier. You can also toss them gently in a bowl with the dressing if you prefer a more even coating. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving so all the flavors get cozy together. If you’re preparing ahead, cover and refrigerate – they hold up really well!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks that really boost this Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe from tasty to utterly memorable. These small details made such a difference in my experience, and I’m confident they’ll help you wow your guests every time.

Fresh mozzarella storage: Keep mini mozzarella balls submerged in fresh water in the fridge until last minute to maintain their lovely softness and prevent drying out.
Balanced dressing: Always taste your vinaigrette before drizzling – adding a little extra honey or vinegar can fix an off-balance dressing in seconds.
Skewer placement: Aim for alternating colors and textures on each skewer for a pretty presentation that entices every hungry eye at the table.
Don’t over-soak the tortellini: Cooking and cooling tortellini properly prevents sogginess that could weigh down the skewers.

How to Serve Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I enjoy garnishing mine with an extra sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze just before serving. It adds a lovely sheen and a pop of sweet-savory contrast that’s irresistible. Sometimes, I toss in a few lemon zest shavings if I'm feeling a bright citrus note is needed that day.

Side Dishes

Since these skewers are packed with flavor, I like pairing them with lighter sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed simply with lemon and olive oil, or a rustic crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the dressing. On special occasions, grilled vegetables or a chilled glass of sparkling white wine make the perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For something festive, I’ve arranged the skewers standing upright in a hollowed-out small melon or cheese wheel, which makes a stunning centerpiece. Another fun trick is to create mini “antipasto stands” on a long wooden board layered with fresh greens, where guests can pick and mix their skewers with olives, nuts, and breadsticks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge, separated from the dressing to keep them crisp. I usually keep the skewers and dressing separate, then give everything a gentle toss before serving again the next day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this particular recipe since the fresh ingredients like basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes don’t hold up well after thawing. I recommend enjoying this flavorful snack fresh or within a day or two of prepping.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! These Italian Antipasto Skewers taste best chilled or at room temperature. Just let them sit out for about 10 minutes if coming straight from the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge. I recommend waiting to drizzle the dressing until right before serving to keep the skewers from becoming soggy.

What kind of salami works best for this recipe?

Genoa salami is my favorite here because it’s flavorful yet not too spicy, and its tender texture works well when folded on the skewers. But you can use any good-quality Italian-style salami you enjoy.

Can I use dried pasta instead of tortellini?

While dried pasta might work in a pinch, I highly recommend using cooked and cooled cheese tortellini for the tender, cheesy bite it offers. It adds a soft contrast to the other fresh ingredients on the skewers.

What’s the best way to store leftover skewers?

Leftover skewers keep best in an airtight container in the fridge. I find storing the vinaigrette separately and tossing it on just before serving helps maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s one of those recipes that’s effortlessly elegant yet relaxed, full of robust Italian flavors you can share with loved ones anytime. Give it a try—you’ll be reaching for these skewers long after the party ends!