Name: Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 long wooden skewers; 1 16 ounce package cheese tortellini; 40 large olives (Castelvetranos or kalamata); 40 plump cherry tomatoes; 40 thin slices Genoa salami; 40 thin slices prosciutto; 20 baby mozzarella balls; 20 cubes sharp provolone cheese; 40 pieces basil, torn; 20 pieces chopped artichoke hearts; 2 roasted red peppers, seeds removed, chopped into small pieces; 1/2 cup (113ml) olive oil; 3 Tablespoons (42ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil; 2 Tablespoons (28ml) red wine vinegar; 1 Tablespoon (18ml) honey; 2 cloves fresh garlic minced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 28 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun, fresh appetizer that’s bursting with Italian flavors, you’re going to love this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe. It’s got everything you want in a party bite — cheesy, savory, tangy, and super easy to assemble. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll want to make it again and again, and your guests will be asking for the recipe too. Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through every step!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: Salty salami, fresh basil, and sweet roasted peppers create a delightful harmony you’ll love.
Simple Assembly: No cooking skills needed beyond boiling tortellini, so you’ll be done in 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinated tortellini means these can be prepped an hour or two before your gathering.
Visual Appeal: Colorful ingredients on skewers make for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.

Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese, Italian appetizer recipes, easy party appetizers, cheese and charcuterie skewers, make-ahead appetizer ideas - The image shows several skewers with five to seven layers each, arranged side by side on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has colorful ingredients stacked in this order from top to bottom: red cherry tomatoes or orange cherry tomatoes, green basil leaves or whole green olives, light yellow tortellini pasta, thin swirled slices of pink cured meat, and white cheese cubes or white mozzarella balls. Some layers also have small pieces of bright red roasted pepper. Green pesto sauce is drizzled over the skewers and on the surface around them, adding an extra texture and shine to the image. The overall look is fresh, vibrant, and neatly arranged. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe lies in the thoughtful mix of ingredients—each brings a unique texture or flavor that complements the others. When you shop, look for fresh mozzarella balls and good-quality cured meats, because they really elevate the whole experience.

Wooden Skewers: Long ones make it easier to stack all the ingredients neatly.
Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for a tender bite; it soaks up the dressing beautifully.
Olives (Castelvetranos or Kalamata): Their briny flavor adds that essential salty pop against the richness of the cheeses.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bite-sized and juicy, they add freshness and a hint of sweetness.
Genoa Salami & Prosciutto: These cured meats bring depth and Italian authenticity.
Baby Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and soft, they balance the saltier elements.
Sharp Provolone Cheese: Adds a bit of boldness and firmness for texture contrast.
Basil: Torn fresh leaves impart a wonderful herbal aroma.
Artichoke Hearts: Tender and tangy, they add unique flavor complexity.
Roasted Red Peppers: Their sweetness and smoky notes round out the skewer flavors.
Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper come together for a zippy, balanced vinaigrette that ties everything together.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about these skewers is how flexible they are — feel free to swap in your favorite antipasto ingredients or adjust quantities depending on what you like best. Making it your own makes the process even more fun!

Variation: I sometimes swap out the provolone for cubes of sharp cheddar when I want a different cheese punch, and honestly, it’s just as delicious.
Dietary Modifications: If you’re avoiding pork, turkey salami or marinated grilled veggies work beautifully instead of cured meats.
Seasonal Changes: In summer, fresh garden basil and heirloom cherry tomatoes shine; in winter, I add marinated mushrooms for earthiness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook & Chill the Tortellini

Start by boiling the tortellini according to the package directions—usually just a few minutes. When it’s done, drain it and rinse quickly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them off. Then, toss the tortellini with about a third of the dressing and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This step is key because the tortellini absorb the vinaigrette, adding flavor that really shines when you bite in.

Step 2: Blend Your Zesty Dressing

While your tortellini cools, blend together olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go—sometimes I like a little more honey to balance the acidity, other times a splash more lemon juice for brightness. Making your own dressing ensures freshness unlike any bottled dressing can offer.

Step 3: Assemble Your Skewers

Grab your wooden skewers and start threading! I love starting with a tortellini, then adding an olive, a cherry tomato, some salami folded nicely, a mozzarella ball, a piece of roasted pepper, basil leaves, and a chunk of provolone. Then I finish with a piece of artichoke. You can keep the pattern consistent or mix it up for a colorful, playful platter. Just have fun with it — every skewer is a little mini antipasto adventure.

Step 4: Final Vinaigrette Drizzle & Serve

Once all your skewers are assembled and artfully arranged on a big platter, I like to drizzle a little extra vinaigrette right over them for an extra zing. Then serve immediately or chill for a bit if you’re prepping ahead. These look fantastic and taste even better when everyone digs in!

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Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and good-quality meats make a noticeable difference—don’t rush on this part.
Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Give each bite distinct flavor combinations by spacing ingredients thoughtfully.
Marinate Tortellini: Letting the tortellini soak in dressing adds incredible depth and avoids bland bites.
Chill Before Serving: Pop the assembled skewers in the fridge for 15-30 minutes; cold antipasto skewers taste fresher and hold together better.

How to Serve Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper and some extra torn basil leaves right on top before serving. Sometimes I include lemon zest for a sparkly finish that brightens everything up. A few chili flakes can also add a nice subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This antipasto platter pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette. And if you’re serving drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged the skewers standing upright in a shallow bowl filled with ice or a bed of fresh greens—makes it super easy for guests to grab and go. Another time, I laid them out on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra olives and artichokes nearby for a feast-like vibe. Presentation counts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover the skewers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. I find they keep well for a day or two—the flavors even mingle more overnight! Just keep any extra dressing separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these skewers because the fresh ingredients and tortellini texture can degrade when frozen. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since these are best served cold or at room temp, I don’t heat the leftovers. If you want warm tortellini, reheat separately before tossing with fresh dressing and assembling new skewers.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to cook the tortellini according to the package instructions and rinse them in cold water immediately after cooking to stop the process. This helps keep their texture perfect for the skewers.
How far ahead can I prepare the skewers?

You can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Just add the final drizzle of vinaigrette right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meats and add more veggies like marinated mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted zucchini. The cheese and tortellini still provide great protein and flavor.
What types of cheese work best for these skewers?

Baby mozzarella and sharp provolone are my top picks for texture and flavor contrast. But feel free to experiment with fresh ricotta balls, asiago cubes, or even a smoky manchego for variety.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?

Wooden skewers are handy and disposable, but metal ones work great too if you want something reusable. Just make sure they’re long enough to hold all the ingredients securely.

Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns simple ingredients into something festive, delicious, and effortless. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together or need a crowd-pleaser for a holiday gathering, it always hits the spot. I hope you’ll make it soon and find yourself sharing it with friends and family, just like I do. Happy skewering!