Name: Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine mozzarella); 32 slices salami; 1 (14.5-ounce) jar quartered artichoke hearts, drained; 16 grape tomatoes; 16 Castelvetrano olives; 16 Kalamata olives; 16 leaves fresh basil; ¼ cup Italian dressing; 16 5-inch bamboo skewers

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a vibrant and fuss-free appetizer that never fails to impress, the Antipasto Skewers Recipe is your new go-to. These colorful skewers combine classic Italian flavors like creamy mozzarella, salty olives, peppery salami, and fresh basil, all in one delightful bite. They are quick to assemble and perfect for entertaining, making them a charming yet simple way to bring friends and family together around good food. The balance of textures and tastes is nothing short of addictive, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create an extraordinary dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and one white oval plate arranged on a white marbled surface. The white oval plate at the bottom left is filled with thin, round slices of pink and white speckled salami, layered neatly. To the top left, there is a small white bowl with dark purple kalamata olives. In the center top, a larger white bowl holds bright red, shiny grape tomatoes. To the right of the tomatoes, a white bowl is full of small, smooth white mozzarella balls. Below the mozzarella, a small round clear glass bowl contains a golden-yellow Italian dressing with visible herbs. Near the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with light yellow chopped artichokes, and next to it, another white bowl holds medium green Castelvetrano olives. Fresh dark green basil leaves with prominent veins lay in the middle left, partially overlapping the salami plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t let the list intimidate you—this recipe thrives on simplicity, and each component plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and presentation.

16 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine mozzarella): Their creamy, mild flavor melts beautifully with the salty and savory elements.
32 slices salami: Thin and spicy, salami gives a lively punch and texture contrast.
1 (14.5-ounce) jar quartered artichoke hearts: These bring a tender earthiness and slight tang that balances the richness.
16 grape tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add a fresh pop of color and brightness.
16 Castelvetrano olives: Mild and buttery, these olives lend a unique, less bitter flavor than traditional olives.
16 Kalamata olives: Their bold, salty, and slightly fruity taste intensifies the Mediterranean vibe.
16 leaves fresh basil: Aromatic and peppery, basil ties all the flavors together with a fragrant freshness.
¼ cup Italian dressing: A zesty drizzle that brings all elements into harmonious flavor fusion.

How to Make Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers

Grab your 5-inch bamboo skewers and set them out ready for assembling. This size is perfect for bite-sized appetizers that guests can enjoy without utensils.

Step 2: Thread the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part—building each skewer. Follow the order for a consistent mix of flavor and texture: start with a Kalamata olive for its robust flavor, then add a quartered artichoke heart to introduce tenderness. Next, fold a slice of salami to lend a savory punch, followed by a fresh basil leaf for aroma. Add a grape tomato to brighten the taste profile, another slice of salami for balance, then a moist mini mozzarella ball to bring creaminess, and finish with a Castelvetrano olive for a lightly buttery finish. This sequence stacks flavors wonderfully so each bite hits all the right notes.

Step 3: Drizzle with Italian Dressing

Just before serving, drizzle the skewers generously with your Italian dressing. This step is crucial because the tangy, herb-infused dressing enhances every ingredient and adds a subtle glisten that makes the skewers irresistible.

How to Serve Antipasto Skewers Recipe

The image shows small skewers arranged on a large white plate with layers that include a dark green olive, a slice of pale artichoke, folded slices of reddish-pink salami, a bright red grape tomato, a fresh green basil leaf, and a white mozzarella ball. Around the large plate, there are small white bowls with dark purple olives, red grape tomatoes, white mozzarella balls, fresh green basil leaves, green olives, and chopped pale artichoke hearts. There is also a white plate at the bottom left corner with overlapping slices of reddish-pink salami. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese over the skewers can elevate their flavor and give a gourmet touch. You might also include a small bowl of extra Italian dressing on the side for dipping—because why not indulge a little more?

Side Dishes

Antipasto Skewers shine as part of a larger spread. Pair them with crusty Italian bread or a vibrant green salad to round out the meal. They also complement charcuterie boards beautifully, making them an ideal addition to your next gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching display, arrange the skewers standing upright in a decorative glass or place them aligned on a long wooden board. You can even alternate the order of ingredients on some skewers for visual variety. These small presentation ideas make your appetizer table as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any skewers left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but the basil may start to darken, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later for maximum vibrancy and flavor.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients like mozzarella and basil, freezing is not recommended for this Antipasto Skewers Recipe. The texture and taste will suffer, especially with fresh tomato and artichoke hearts.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled appetizer designed to be eaten cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and will compromise the fresh quality of the ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella gives a soft and mild flavor that’s classic for antipasto, but you can experiment with bocconcini, or small cubes of provolone or cheddar to add a firmer texture and punchier taste.

Are there vegetarian options for this Antipasto Skewers Recipe?

Yes, you can omit the salami and add extras like marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or grilled zucchini slices to keep the skewers full of flavor and texture while staying vegetarian.

How far in advance can I assemble the skewers?

While you can pre-cut and prepare ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the skewers no more than a few hours before serving to keep the basil fresh and the mozzarella at its best.

What’s the best Italian dressing to use?

Choose a high-quality or homemade Italian dressing with a good balance of acidity, herbs, and olive oil. This ensures the drizzle enhances rather than overpowers the fresh flavors.

Can I make these skewers gluten-free?

Definitely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your Italian dressing label to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Skewers Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a stunning and satisfying appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive party, these skewers bring a little Italian magic to the table with minimal effort and maximum delight. Give it a try, and prepare to watch these little bites disappear fast—your guests will thank you!

Antipasto Skewers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need