Caprese Skewers: The Perfect Party Bite

These Antipasto Skewers are an elegant and flavorful appetizer, perfect for any party or get-together!

Let’s be honest: whether you’re attending a casual backyard barbecue or a sophisticated cocktail party, food on a stick is always a hit. There’s just something inherently fun and appealing about bite-sized portions served in an easy-to-handle way.

And what’s not to love? Skewered foods are not only convenient and portable, but they also offer a delightful array of flavors and textures in every bite. They’re easy to transport and even easier to eat!

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delectable appetizer that’s both elegant and enjoyable, look no further than my recipe for these incredible Antipasto Skewers. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. So lets learn how to make the best appetizer you can bring to your next gathering!

What are Antipasto Skewers Made Of? The Ingredients You’ll Need

These delightful Italian appetizers are essentially miniature bites of pure Mediterranean bliss, bursting with flavor. Think of them as a deconstructed and reimagined classic Mediterranean pasta salad, conveniently served on a skewer.

To assemble these irresistible Antipasto Skewers, you’ll first need a package of wooden skewers. Once you have your skewers ready, you can begin threading them with your choice of the following delicious ingredients:

• Pepperoni slices
• Salami slices
• Cooked cheese tortellini
• Kalamata olives
• Green olives
• Artichoke hearts
• Marinated red, orange, and yellow peppers
• Sliced grilled zucchini and/or yellow squash
• Marinated feta cheese

For the antipasto skewers featured in the photos, I opted for a combination of pepperoni slices, cooked tortellini, Kalamata olives, green olives, artichoke hearts, and vibrant red peppers. Feel free to use what you like or have on hand.

Make-Ahead Party Appetizers: Prep in Advance for Stress-Free Entertaining

One of the greatest advantages of antipasto skewers is that they can be prepared well in advance, making them an ideal choice for stress-free party planning. To streamline the process, simply cook the tortellini ahead of time. Then, gather all the ingredients you intend to include in your antipasto skewers in a large bowl.

To enhance the flavor profile even further, consider marinating the ingredients in a simple yet delicious mixture of olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Allow the ingredients to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight, to allow the flavors to fully meld and intensify.

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free Antipasto Skewer Options

In today’s world, entertaining can often feel like navigating a complex maze of dietary restrictions and preferences. With so many individuals adhering to specific dietary guidelines, this Antipasto Skewer recipe is a true lifesaver, as it can be easily adapted to accommodate a wide range of needs.

Here’s how to customize these skewers to suit various dietary requirements:

MAKE IT VEGETARIAN: To create a vegetarian-friendly version, simply omit the pepperoni. Substitute it with extra veggies or marinated tofu cubes.

MAKE IT VEGAN/DAIRY-FREE: For a completely vegan and dairy-free option, opt for a non-dairy tortellini alternative. My personal favorite is Kite Hill tortellini. It is often found at Whole Foods Market, and its a great alternative.

MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: If you have guests who are gluten-free, you can easily substitute any gluten-free pasta shape, such as shells or penne. You can also consider using a gluten-free ravioli for a more indulgent touch. Just remember to check the ingredient list of all components to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Antipasto Skewers Recipe

5 from 12 votes

By
Marlynn Schotland

Prep Time:

20
mins

1
hr

Total Time:

1
hr
20
mins

Servings:

12
skewers

These Antipasto Skewers are great make-ahead party appetizers!

Ingredients

• 1
  16 oz – 20 oz pkg
  cheese tortellini (the kind in the deli section)
• 1
  4 oz pkg
  sliced pepperoni
• 1
  6-8 ounce jar
  pitted kalamata olives
• 1
  6-8 ounce jar
  artichoke hearts in oil
• 1
  8-16 oz jar
  red peppers in oil
• 1
  8 oz jar
  pitted green olives
• 3-5
  tbsp
  olive oil
• 1
  tbsp
  crushed red peppers
• 1
  tsp
  dried basil
• 1
  tsp
  kosher salt
• 1/2
  tsp
  pepper

Instructions

• Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
• In the meantime, in a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except for the pepperoni (artichoke hearts, olives, peppers, and any other veggies you are using).
• Add cooked tortellini to the bowl, then pour in olive oil and sprinkle dried basil, salt, and pepper. Gently coat all ingredients by mixing with a wooden spoon.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
• Thread ingredients on skewers in your preferred order. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

If you are skewering ingredients a few hours before serving, either lightly spray with olive oil spray or lightly brush olive oil over each skewer before serving to ensure they are not dry.

Nutrition

Calories:
34
kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
1
g
,

Protein:
1
g
,

Fat:
4
g
,

Saturated Fat:
1
g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
,

Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
,

Trans Fat:
1
g
,

Cholesterol:
1
mg
,

Sodium:
209
mg
,

Potassium:
17
mg
,

Fiber:
1
g
,

Sugar:
1
g
,

Vitamin A:
202
IU
,

Vitamin C:
1
mg
,

Calcium:
5
mg
,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is only an approximation.

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Looking for More Party Food Inspiration?

If you enjoyed this Antipasto Skewer recipe and are seeking other delicious and crowd-pleasing options for your next gathering, be sure to check out these other fantastic party food recipes:

• Easy Dairy-Free Spinach Dip
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
• Easy Hard-Boiled Egg Appetizers
• Ham, Melon, and Mozzarella Bites