Description
Antipasto Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring a delightful combination of olives, salami, mozzarella, basil, grape tomatoes, and cheese tortellini. Tossed in a zesty vinaigrette with fresh herbs and garlic, these skewers make an ideal party snack, easy dinner accompaniment, or a sophisticated finger food option bursting with Italian flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Skewers
- 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
Vinaigrette
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, salt, Dijon mustard, minced garlic or shallots, and honey until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Stir in the freshly ground pepper and chopped herbs (chives, basil, parsley).
- Assemble the skewers: Thread each skewer in the following order: one large green olive, half a slice of Genoa salami, one mini mozzarella ball, one large basil leaf, one grape tomato, one cooked and cooled cheese tortellini, and one large black olive. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Toss skewers in vinaigrette: Place the assembled skewers in a shallow dish or bowl and gently toss with the prepared vinaigrette to coat all the ingredients evenly. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. They can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to enhance the taste further. These skewers are perfect as a party appetizer or paired alongside soups and grilled meats for a light meal.
Notes
- For a make-ahead option, assemble the skewers and store the vinaigrette separately; toss just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
- Substitute cheese tortellini with other cooked pasta shapes if preferred.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of mini balls, cutting into bite-sized pieces if mini balls are unavailable.
- Try different types of vinegar like sherry or balsamic to vary the flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the vinaigrette based on your desired sweetness.
- To make skewers easier to eat, use short bamboo or cocktail skewers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 104 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 658 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
