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These vibrant antipasto skewers are the ultimate simple appetizer for BBQs, parties or just a casual night in. They combine marinated mozzarella, tender tortellini, juicy tomatoes, olives, salami and basil for a flavor-packed bite that’s both easy to prep and fun to eat. Soaked in a zesty homemade Italian dressing, each ones bursts with savory and tangy notes. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a light snack, this simple recipe offers a lot of flavor with barely any effort.

Antipasto appetizer on skewers.

These antipasto skewers are packed with marinated cheese, tortellini, salami and veggies. They make the perfect colorful party appetizer or snack.

Also try smoothie freezer packs, this easy antipasto salad, an antipasto Christmas tree, or antipasto board appetizer.

Four skewers with tortellini, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, olives, basil, and salami on a white platter make delicious antipasto bites—perfect for those seeking easy Italian appetizer recipes.

Why You’ll Love It

Simple to assemble: This appetizer recipe with marinated vegetables is perfect if you are looking for easy party prep dishes.
Delicious: The classic Italian trio of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil feature in these Italian appetizers, along with other delicious ingredients.
Popular: With its classic antipasto ingredients, this no-cook appetizer recipe is sure to impress a large crowd at any occasion. They disappear fast from the buffet table!

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, basil, and cured meat sprinkled with herbs make for a delicious Italian appetizer recipe.

Antipasto Skewer Recipe Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Mozzarella balls: Soft and creamy cheese that soaks up the marinade.
Cheese tortellini: A hearty addition that turns these skewers into a filling bite.
Cherry tomatoes: Add color and juicy freshness.
Basil leaves: Give a fresh, herbal finish to each bite.
Green olives: Provide a briny contrast to the creamy cheese.
Black olives: Add a mild, savory balance to the skewer.
Salami slices: Bring smoky, meaty flavor and richness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the marinade with a smooth, rich texture.
White wine vinegar: Adds a tangy sharpness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and adds a citrus punch.
Parsley: Brings freshness and color.
Oregano: Adds bold Italian herb flavor.
Garlic: Grated for maximum flavor infusion.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle heat.
Red pepper flakes: Add a hint of spice.

Ingredients for a pasta salad arranged on a table, including pasta, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and herbs—perfect inspiration for making antipasto skewers or exploring Italian appetizer recipes.

How to Make Antipasto Skewers

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the tortellini: Cook it following the directions on the package and let it cool completely.
Make the marinade: Shake all the dressing ingredients in a jar until well combined.
Marinate the kabob ingredients: Pour the dressing over the mozzarella, tortellini and tomatoes and marinate overnight or for at least a couple of hours.
Assemble the appetizer skewers: Thread the mozzarella, fresh basil, tortellini, green and black olives, meat, and tomatoes on to wooden skewers, garnish with fresh herbs if liked, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, salami, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and basil make perfect Italian appetizer recipes for any gathering. Served on a white plate.

Substitutions and Variations

Use gluten free tortellini: Swap in your favorite gluten free brand to make this recipe gluten free.
Switch up the protein: Try prosciutto, pepperoni or grilled chicken chunks.
Add veggies: Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts are delicious extras.
Change the cheese: Use marinated feta or provolone instead of mozzarella.

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, spinach, and meat are arranged on a white platter—perfect for anyone who loves Italian appetizer recipes.

Serving Suggestions

With other snacks: Enjoy chips with a homemade green goddess dip, crab cake egg rolls or deviled eggs.
On a charcuterie board: These are perfect on a charcuterie board with deli meats or on an antipasto board with marinated mozzarella pearls and peperonata, and perhaps some pickled cauliflower or pickled carrots too.

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, basil, and prosciutto on a white plate make delicious antipasto bites—perfect for those seeking Italian appetizer recipes. Garnished with fresh herbs.

How to Store Antipasto Skewers

Store: Keep leftover antipasto skewers fresh by wrapping them in plastic wrap and refrigerating. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days.
Freeze: Unfortunately, these aren’t suited to freezing because the texture and flavor would suffer.

Antipasto skewers with olive, mozzarella, tortellini, and herbs in a clear cup with a checkered napkin in the background—an easy favorite for Italian appetizer recipes.

Top Tips

Marinate ahead: Let the cheese and tortellini soak for at least a few hours for best flavor.
Use short skewers: They’re easier to serve and eat at gatherings.
Dry ingredients before skewering: Prevent soggy skewers by patting excess marinade off.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both options work depending on the event.

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olives, and prosciutto, sprinkled with herbs—perfect for those seeking delicious Italian appetizer recipes or tasty antipasto bites.

Easy Antipasto Skewers FAQs

Should I serve these with or without the dressing?

Once the kabobs are marinated, you can discard the marinade since the flavors will have soaked into the kabob ingredients. You could always drizzle a balsamic glaze over them or sprinkle over some fresh herb sprigs.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Feel free to change the ingredients however you want. You can swap the salami for roasted bell peppers or mushrooms.

Antipasto skewers with tortellini, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and basil on a platter, surrounded by fresh ingredients—perfect for those looking for delicious Italian appetizer recipes.

Italian Antipasto Skewers Appetizer Recipe

Antipasto skewer appetizer on a platter.
Print
5 from 53 votes

Antipasto Skewers

By: Bella Bucchiotti
Antipasto skewers are an easy and colorful party appetizer. Each bite includes a combination of marinated cheese, tortellini, olives, tomato and basil. The homemade dressing pulls everything together with bold flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 12 Balls mozzarella, small
  • 12 cheese tortellini
  • 24 cherry tomatoes
  • 12 Leaves basil
  • 12 green olives, pitted
  • 12 black olives, pitted
  • 12 Slices salami

For the Italian Dressing Marinade

Instructions 

  • Cook tortellini according to package directions. Place into a strainer and rinse under cold water until cool.
  • Combine Italian dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds
  • Add mozzarella, tortellini, and tomatoes to a bowl with a lid. Pour Italian dressing over and marinate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
  • Assemble skewers by rotating mozzarella balls, basil leaves, tortellini, olives, meat, and tomatoes.

Notes

Marinate ahead: Let the cheese and tortellini soak for at least a few hours for best flavor.
Use short skewers: They’re easier to serve and eat at gatherings.
Dry ingredients before skewering: Prevent soggy skewers by patting excess marinade off.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both options work depending on the event.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 538IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Ingredients for a pasta salad arranged on a table, including pasta, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and herbs—perfect inspiration for making antipasto skewers or exploring Italian appetizer recipes.
Ingredients for a marinade, perfect for antipasto skewers or antipasto bites, including herbs, lemon, oils, and seasonings, arranged on a brown surface.
A bowl of marinated mozzarella balls, olives, and tomatoes with herbs—a perfect addition to your antipasto bites or Antipasto skewers—sits next to a jar, basil, and a cloth.
Hands assembling Antipasto skewers with cheese, olive, tomato, basil, prosciutto, and tortellini over a plate—perfect for those seeking delicious Italian appetizer recipes.
Antipasto skewers with cheese, olives, tomato, and tortellini on a white plate, surrounded by fresh ingredients—an easy twist on classic Italian appetizer recipes.
Close-up of antipasto skewers with tortellini, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, basil, and cured meat, sprinkled with herbs—a delicious twist on Italian appetizer recipes.

You’ll love how quick and customizable these antipasto skewers are, especially if yo adore Italian appetizer recipes. Bursting with bold flavors, they look beautiful on any spread and work for nearly every occasion. From summer BBQs to holiday gatherings or even an easy tailgate food option, these skewers always manage to hit the spot. Whether you go classic or switch up the ingredients, the combination of textures and flavors will keep everyone coming back for more.

Other Recipes to Try

Antipasto bites featuring olives, tomatoes, cheese, and tortellini on a white plate, garnished with herbs—perfect for fans of Italian appetizer recipes.
Colorful antipasto bites with tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, and herbs—these Antipasto skewers are a flavorful twist on classic Italian appetizer recipes, topped with text.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 53 votes (41 ratings without comment)

132 Comments

  8. 5 stars
    I made these for a dinner party last night! They were the first thing that disappeared off the table! Great recipe!

    Reply

  9. 5 stars
    These were quite delicious!!! I have had antipasto skewers before but never ones with pasta on. It was delicious!

    And they looked so pretty (not as good as yours) but pretty!

    Even my 3 out of 5 kids ate them! That is a winner!!

    Reply

  10. 5 stars
    These were so great for entertaining! Everyone loved them – the flavor, size and ease of making them were amazing!

    Reply

  11. 5 stars
    So I made these for a dinner party and they were the FIRST appetizer gone. Not going to lie, I had about 4 before I even got to the party. So easy and definitely a crowd pleaser.

    Reply

  12. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved these! Such a different and unique appetizer that we all enjoyed! Will make these again for sure!

    Reply

  17. I have always loves antipasto anything! Love how cute these are, and how perfect they would be for a Summer party!

    Reply

  22. This looks like a great snack! My family loves Triscuits, especially my husband. I’ll share this with him.

    Reply

  23. oh love it ! I just recorded the post on pinterest to keep it in my food recipes collection 🙂 thanks a lot ! Im so hungry right now 😉

    Reply

  38. I love antipasti, especially various times of bruschetta! Your antipasto bites recipe looks amazing and easy to make! I’d love to try it!

    Reply

  42. Triscuit sounds like an awesome choice for crackers, and I love how you decided to serve it! These appetizers will be a sure hit in any parties and it’s so easy to assemble!

    Reply

  44. I happen to love antipasto salads which I believe taste divine. These appetizers are something that my family would indeed love so I will have to make these. The Triscuit crackers are perfect for these. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply

  45. Yes I love antipasto and these little bites look delicious especially since they have crackers which I love!

    Reply

  47. I saw these on your instagram and immediately had to check them out! These look SO good! Definitely making these soon!

    xo Ashley

    Reply

    1. Aww thank you so much Ashley!!! I hope you try this recipe and let me know what you think!

      Reply

  48. Wow these sound SO good!! I need to try these, antipasto is my favorite part of any meal and as an Italian myself, I know all about this haha! Beautiful pictures! -Kendall

    Reply

  51. I love triscuits. This looks amazing. I love savory Italian appetizers. Definitely giving this a try.

    Reply

  55. My goodness! I am such of fan of anything with Kalamata Olives in it and this looks delish!!

    Reply

  57. Oh these look really good! I love easy appetizers these would be perfect for a bbq spread!

    Reply

  58. Soooo you pretty much NAILED my favorite party app! Anything with olives and a little crunch = I’m hanging around the food table all night! Love this!

    Reply

  66. I’m loving “anitpastriscuit” 🙂 They look so delicious. Simple and quick to prep too when you have company!

    Reply

  72. Triscuits are my fave crackers and I love how you dressed them up. I want to serve your antipasto bites at my next party. Yum! I know my guests will love them.

    Reply

  74. These sound so good. I love antipasto and having all that flavor in one bite sounds like the perfect easy appetizer.

    Reply

  75. OMG yum these look so good! I am seriously about to run out to the store and get all the ingredients! Awesome recipe!

    Reply

  76. I love Triscuits! They are definitely great for appetizers 🙂

    X,
    Cristina
    cristinawashere.com

    Reply

  77. This looks so delicious. Antipasto bites are a great appetizer to serve at parties. I will look for Triscuit crackers on my next trip to the store! These sound perfect!

    Reply

  78. Your photos are stunning! As someone who grew up in Rome I’ve never thought of using triscuits, what a great idea x

    Reply