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 something so delightful about the vibrant colors and bold flavors of these skewers—the perfect bite-sized celebration of Italian goodness. This Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe always brightens up my table, whether it’s a casual get-together or an elegant appetizer spread.

The image shows a row of five skewers laid on a black tray over a white marbled surface with a beige and white striped cloth underneath. Each skewer has five colorful layers: at the bottom a large green olive with herbs, above it a folded slice of pinkish-red salami, then a small white mozzarella ball, followed by a piece of fresh dark green spinach leaf, a bright red cherry tomato, another folded slice of salami, a yellow tortellini with green herbs, and at the top a shiny purple olive. The skewers are arranged neatly with fresh parsley in the background and the food appears seasoned with herbs and a light touch of black pepper. 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 first made these Italian antipasto skewers on a sunny weekend when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and they instantly became a crowd favorite. There's something so satisfying about creating these layers of flavor on a simple skewer—each bite offers salty, tangy, herby, and creamy notes that just work.

Bold Flavors in Every Bite: The combination of salami, olives, fresh mozzarella, and herbs packs a punch without overwhelming your palate.
Effortless and Make-Ahead: You can assemble these skewers in advance, making party prep a breeze.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual snack or elegant appetizer, these skewers adapt effortlessly.
Fresh and Vibrant Presentation: The mix of colors from basil leaves, grape tomatoes, and olives makes your platter inviting and festive.

The image shows a close-up of a vertical skewer held by a woman's hand. From top to bottom, the skewer has a dark purple olive, a yellow cheese cube sprinkled with herbs and pepper, a folded slice of red salami, a red cherry tomato, fresh green basil leaves, a white mozzarella ball sprinkled with herbs, another folded slice of salami, and a light green olive at the bottom. The background features more skewers with similar colorful ingredients and a white marbled surface underneath. The colors are bright and fresh, showing a mix of textures from smooth cheese to leafy greens and cured meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe is all about harmony—each ingredient brings a unique texture and flavor that complements the others perfectly. When shopping, I always pick the best quality fresh mozzarella and look for herb leaves that are bright and fragrant. It really makes a difference!

Flat lay of large green olives, large black olives, halved Genoa salami slices arranged neatly, mini mozzarella cheese balls, large fresh basil leaves, plump grape tomatoes, cooked and cooled cheese tortellini, small white bowls with golden extra-virgin olive oil, amber honey, pale Champagne vinegar, smooth Dijon mustard, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on 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: I love their briny pop that contrasts beautifully with creamy cheese.
Genoa Salami: Adds that classic, slightly spicy cured meat flavor; halving slices keeps every skewer balanced.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: Soft and milky, they mellow out the richer, saltier bites.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil gives a burst of aromatic freshness.
Grape Tomatoes: Juicy sweetness that offsets the savory elements.
Cheese Tortellini (cooked & cooled): Adds a delightful bite and subtle cheesy flavor, elevating it beyond a regular antipasto.
Black Olives: Their deeper, earthier flavor adds complexity.
Champagne Vinegar (or sherry/balsamic): Gives the skewers a tangy brightness in the dressing without overpowering the ingredients.
Dijon Mustard: Lends a gentle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky coating.
Garlic or Minced Shallots: A punch of savory depth; I prefer finely minced garlic for aroma.
Honey: Balances acidity with a whisper of sweetness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Brings richness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Fresh Ground Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Fresh Chives, Basil & Parsley (chopped): These herbs add a final pop of color and fresh flavor harmony.

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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

One of the best parts about this Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe is how adaptable it is. I encourage you to mix and match based on what you have or what you prefer. That’s how cooking gets exciting!

Variation: I’ve swapped Genoa salami for prosciutto on occasion for a more delicate flavor—both work beautifully depending on your mood.
Vegetarian Twist: Simply omit the salami and consider adding marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra zing.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, I love tossing in some fresh figs or dried cherries for a touch of natural sweetness.
Dressing Upgrade: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick in the vinaigrette.

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

Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients

Start by cooking and cooling the cheese tortellini (if it’s not pre-cooked). While that’s cooling, rinse and dry your fresh basil leaves and grape tomatoes. Halve your Genoa salami slices for easy layering on the skewers—this makes sure every bite is balanced.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

Whisk together your vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic or shallots, honey, and salt until combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking, to emulsify it into a silky dressing. Finish with fresh ground pepper and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for a fresh punch you’ll love.

Step 3: Assemble Your Skewers

Grab your skewers (I like bamboo ones for ease). Thread on the ingredients in any order you prefer—for me, it’s green olive, salami half, mozzarella ball, basil leaf, grape tomato, cheese tortellini, then black olive. This layering creates textural contrast and flavor layering in every bite.

Step 4: Drizzle and Chill Before Serving

Lightly drizzle the skewers with your vinaigrette or serve it on the side for dipping. I find letting the skewers chill for about 15-20 minutes before serving helps flavors meld beautifully, but don’t leave them too long or the basil leaves might wilt.

Top Tip

Enjoying these skewers is all about balance, and I’ve learned a few tricks to keep them tasting fresh and looking fantastic every time.

Skewer Order Matters: Placing the basil leaves between chewier ingredients like salami and tortellini prevents them from bruising.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, and chives give a bright flavor you can’t get from dried herbs.
Dressing Consistency: Whisk your dressing well to prevent separation—this ensures every bite is evenly coated.
Don’t Over Dress: A light drizzle is enough; too much dressing can make skewers soggy and overpower the ingredients.

How to Serve Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Italian Antipasto Skewers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a sprinkle of extra chopped chives and a few twists of fresh cracked pepper just before serving. Sometimes I toss some shaved Parmesan curls on the platter for an extra touch of decadence.

Side Dishes

These skewers are great alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or paired with a bowl of minestrone soup for a light but fulfilling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange them on a long wooden board with small bowls of dipping vinaigrette, fresh herb sprigs, and crusty Italian bread slices. It’s always a big hit and looks stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend adding the dressing fresh before serving again, so everything stays vibrant and crisp.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze antipasto skewers because fresh ingredients like mozzarella and basil don’t always thaw well. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a day or two of assembling.

Reheating

Since these skewers are served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you have leftover cooked tortellini, you can warm it separately, but I find the contrast of cool and tender on these skewers is what makes them special.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese, omit the salami, and add extra veggies like artichoke hearts or roasted peppers. The dressing works great vegan as is.

How far ahead can I assemble these skewers?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator. I recommend adding the dressing shortly before serving to keep the basil fresh and the tortellini firm.

What’s the best way to keep basil leaves from wilting?

Placing basil leaves between firmer ingredients on the skewer helps protect them. Also, storing assembled skewers in a single layer in the fridge with a slightly damp paper towel over them keeps basil fresher.

Can I use different types of olives?

Yes! Feel free to swap green or black olives with Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or your favorite variety. Just make sure to balance the intensity of flavors with the other skewer ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Antipasto Skewers Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something easy, pretty, and bursting with flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you can riff on and make truly your own, and I hope it earns a special spot in your entertaining repertoire just like it did in mine.