Italian Antipasto Skewers are a fun and tasty way to start any meal. Loaded with yummy bites like olives, cheese, salami, and peppers, they’re colorful and easy to grab!
These skewers always get smiles at parties! I love mixing and matching the ingredients for a little surprise in every bite. They make snacking feel like a tasty adventure! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry tomatoes: Use a mix of colors for a visually appealing dish! If cherry tomatoes are out of season, grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes work well. Just make sure they’re nice and ripe.
Olives: Kalamata and green olives add great flavor. If olives aren’t your thing, you can swap them for pickles or artichoke hearts for a different twist!
Basil leaves: Fresh basil is essential for flavor. If it’s not available, use fresh spinach or arugula as a substitute. Dried basil isn’t a great choice here, as the fresh taste really makes it pop.
Fresh mozzarella: Bocconcini is perfect, but you can use any small mozzarella balls or even diced regular mozzarella. If you want a dairy-free option, try marinated tofu or vegan cheese alternatives.
Salami: My favorite is a classic Italian salami, but you can use prosciutto or even turkey or chicken slices for a lighter version. Veggie options like roasted red peppers could replace meat entirely.
How Do I Assemble Skewers for the Best Flavor?
Assembling the skewers is where you can really get creative! The key here is to balance colors and flavors. Aim for a mix of textures and tastes in each bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a cherry tomato to add juiciness at one end of the skewer.
- Next, fold a basil leaf to keep it neat and flavorful.
- Thread in an olive followed by a fresh mozzarella ball—this brings creaminess and saltiness together.
- Add another olive to double up on flavor and wrap it in a slice of salami for that wonderful richness.
- Repeat this order until all ingredients are used up!
Remember to keep them colorful; a mix of colors makes them more enticing. And don’t forget to drizzle pesto on top—it’s the finishing touch that makes these skewers shine!
Italian Antipasto Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 cherry tomatoes (mixed colors if possible)
- 12 small yellow cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- 12 kalamata olives
- 12 green olives (pitted)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 12 small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 12 slices of salami, folded or rolled
- 1/3 cup pesto sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Skewers or wooden toothpicks (about 12)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15–20 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required! Just a little time to gather the ingredients and assemble the skewers, making it perfect for a quick appetizer or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil leaves under cold water to make sure they are nice and clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures everything is fresh and ready to enjoy.
2. Get the Salami Ready:
Take each slice of salami and fold or roll it up. This makes it easy to thread onto the skewer and adds a nice touch to the look of your skewer. It’s all about presentation!
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Now comes the fun part! Take a skewer or toothpick and thread on the ingredients in this order for a burst of flavors:
- One cherry tomato (use a mix of colors for a beautiful effect)
- One fresh basil leaf, folded to fit
- One green olive
- One fresh mozzarella ball
- One kalamata olive
- One slice of folded salami
Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up. Aim for even spacing to showcase those vibrant colors!
4. Dress the Skewers:
Once you’ve assembled all the skewers, arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the pesto sauce evenly over each skewer, adding a burst of flavor and color.
5. Final Touches:
Give the skewers a generous grind of black pepper to enhance the flavors. This is the final touch that truly makes these skewers stand out!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
These Italian Antipasto Skewers are best served fresh, so enjoy them immediately! If you’re preparing ahead of time, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 hour. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a snack at home!
These vibrant skewers combine the classic Italian antipasto ingredients—salty olives and salami, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and juicy tomatoes—perfectly balanced and easy to enjoy!
Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the salami and use roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes instead. Feel free to play around with the ingredients!
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Just keep in mind that the basil may wilt a bit, so enjoy them quickly!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the skewers up to 1 hour in advance. Just be sure to store them covered in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh. Adding the pesto right before serving will maintain the best flavor and presentation!
What Can I Serve with Antipasto Skewers?
These skewers are great on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a charcuterie board, crusty bread, or even a simple green salad. A nice glass of wine also complements them perfectly!