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 olive oil (113ml); 3 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (42ml); 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil; 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar (28ml); 1 Tablespoon honey (18ml); 2 cloves fresh garlic minced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, fun, and utterly delicious appetizer to wow friends at your next gathering, I can’t recommend this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe enough. These skewers are like a party in your mouth—loaded with savory meats, briny olives, tender tortellini, and creamy cheese all drizzled in a zesty homemade dressing. Once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again, trust me!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance: The salty meats and cheeses contrast beautifully with the sweet cherry tomatoes and tangy olives for a balanced bite every time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Tossing tortellini in the dressing ahead lets flavors soak in, saving you time during the party.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy to swap or mix up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
Eye-Catching Presentation: These colorful skewers look gorgeous on any appetizer table and invite guests to dig right in.

Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese, easy antipasto appetizer, party appetizer recipes, skewered antipasto platter, savory 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 ingredients here come together like a dream because each brings a different texture and flavor that complements the rest perfectly. When shopping, look for quality meats and fresh produce to really make this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe shine.

Cheese tortellini: Using cheese-filled tortellini adds a hearty, tender bite that stands up well on skewers and pairs wonderfully with the dressing.
Castelvetrano or Kalamata olives: These olives bring a briny, rich punch—Castelvetranos are milder and buttery, Kalamatas a bit tangier, so pick your favorite!
Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness freshens up the entire skewer and adds vibrant color.
Genoa salami: Adds a little spice and chewiness; find thin slices for easier skewering.
Prosciutto: Soft, silky, and salty, prosciutto wraps or folds nicely on the skewers.
Baby mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild, they balance the stronger flavors.
Sharp provolone cheese: Its bold flavor stands out and adds complexity.
Fresh basil: Torn leaves bring a lovely herbal brightness, super fresh and fragrant.
Chopped artichoke hearts: Tender with a subtle tang, they add an earthy note.
Roasted red peppers: Sweetness and gentle smokiness, chopped small for easy bites.
Dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper): This homemade vinaigrette ties everything together with brightness, sweetness, and a touch of sharpness.

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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

Everyone loves to make this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe their own, and I’m no different! Depending on the season or what’s in my fridge, I often mix things up and encourage you to do the same. After all, customization is what keeps recipes exciting!

Meat-free version: I sometimes swap out the salami and prosciutto for grilled veggies or marinated mushrooms, and it still shines as a crowd-pleaser.
Seasonal veggies: In summer, I love adding zucchini ribbons or grilled artichokes for extra freshness.
Spicy kick: Toss in some pepperoncini or crushed red pepper flakes in the dressing for an extra zing that guests rave about.
Cheese swap: Sharp provolone is my go-to, but experimenting with smoked mozzarella or gouda keeps things interesting.

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

Step 1: Cook and Chill the Tortellini

Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Don’t overcook—they should be tender but still hold their shape. Once cooked, drain and rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Toss the tortellini with about a third of the dressing and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes—this step is key for infusing flavor and making the tortellini more manageable on the skewers.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the pasta cools, blitz together the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor—olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed. This dressing is the secret sauce that makes these skewers shine.

Step 3: Skewer Like a Pro

Now the fun part—assembling your skewers! Thread ingredients in any order you like. I usually start with a tortellini, then an olive, cherry tomato, salami folded neatly, a basil leaf, baby mozzarella ball, artichoke, roasted pepper, and finish with a provolone cube. You can totally mix and match to suit your mood or guest preferences. Just be mindful not to overstuff so each bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Final Touch and Serve

Place the skewers on a large platter, drizzle a bit of the vinaigrette over the top for extra zing, and you’re ready to impress! If making ahead, cover and refrigerate, then drizzle just before serving to keep everything fresh.

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Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Use Long Skewers: I prefer long wooden skewers because they hold all the ingredients nicely and are easy to handle for guests.
Cool Tortellini Completely: If the tortellini is too warm, it’ll soak up too much dressing and make the skewers soggy—let them chill well.
Fold Meats Neatly: Folding salami and prosciutto slices in small bundles helps them stay on the skewer without slipping off.
Drain Artichokes and Peppers: Make sure chopped artichokes and roasted peppers aren’t too wet to avoid soggy bites on your skewers.

How to Serve Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and an extra few torn basil leaves on the platter for a pop of green and aroma—it makes a subtle but inviting difference. Sometimes, a light dusting of parmesan on the side is a lovely touch for guests who want to add a little cheesy magic.

Side Dishes

Pair these skewers with a crisp green salad or some crusty Italian bread to round out the meal. For a full antipasto spread, I’ve served them alongside marinated mushrooms, roasted peppers, and thinly sliced fennel salad—always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I arranged the skewers standing upright in a large ceramic bowl filled with uncooked rice for stability—it was a showstopper at a dinner party. Another go-to is skewering them over a bed of arugula or lettuce leaves for a fresh, vibrant display. Don’t be shy about adding colorful toothpicks or edible flowers for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the skewers separate from extra dressing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze these skewers because fresh veggies and cheese don’t always thaw well. However, you can freeze the tortellini separately before tossing in dressing—just thaw and assemble fresh later.

Reheating

Since these are mostly served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to warm the tortellini for another use, a quick toss in a pan with olive oil works nicely.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making the vinaigrette?

You totally can! While the homemade dressing is fresh and flavorful, a good-quality Italian vinaigrette from the store will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s not too sweet or overpowering to keep the balance perfect.
How far in advance can I assemble the skewers?

I recommend assembling no more than 1-2 hours before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and prevent the skewers from getting soggy. Keep them covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I substitute the cheese tortellini with another pasta?

Absolutely! Cheese tortellini provides that creamy center and nice bite, but you could use ravioli, gnocchi, or even mini pasta shells—just make sure they’re cooked and chilled before assembling.
Are these skewers suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids often love the combination of pasta and cheese, and you can customize the fillings to their preferences—maybe swap out olives or prosciutto for milder options or add some sliced cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe has become my go-to celebration appetizer because it’s as beautiful as it is easy, and guests always ask for seconds. I love sharing this recipe because it brings people together with simple ingredients done right. So gather your skewers, invite a few friends, and give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!