If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and absolutely crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Antipasto Skewers Recipe is a must-try. It brings together marinated mozzarella, tangy cherry peppers, artichoke hearts, pickled green beans, savory salami, and briny Kalamata olives into perfectly portable bites bursting with contrasting textures and zesty flavors. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or want a fresh snack, these skewers deliver bold Italian-inspired taste with zero fuss and maximum charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients is all you need to create these stunning Antipasto Skewers. Each component plays a special role, adding layers of taste, irresistible textures, and pops of color that make every bite exciting.
- 12 ounces marinated mozzarella balls: These creamy pearls soak up herbs and oil, adding richness and softness to balance the tangy elements.
- 16 ounces cherry peppers (drained): Their subtle heat and crunch give the skewers a bright, spicy twist that wakes up your palate.
- 14 ounces quartered marinated artichoke hearts (drained): Tender and earthy, these deliver a mellow bite that pairs beautifully with the sharper flavors.
- 1 jar pickled green beans (drained and cut in thirds): These bring a vibrant snap and a vinegary zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1 package thinly sliced salami: Folded neatly, it adds savory depth and a hint of spice with every chewy morsel.
- 16 Kalamata olives: Their briny, fruity presence rounds out the flavor profile and adds a dark purple burst of color.
- 16 5-inch wooden skewers: These sturdy little sticks hold everything together while making the perfect finger food.
How to Make Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese and Marinade
Start by carefully removing the marinated mozzarella balls from their flavorful bath. Rather than tossing the marinade, save it! This oil infused with herbs will become a delicious dipping sauce or drizzle that’ll elevate your skewers even more.
Step 2: Assemble Each Skewer Thoughtfully
Take a wooden skewer and thread on a cherry pepper first—this vibrant start sets a colorful stage. Next, add a quartered artichoke heart, followed by a slice of salami, delicately folded into quarters to fit snugly. Then slide on a section of pickled green bean, a mozzarella ball, and finish with a Kalamata olive. This order ensures a harmonious balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Repeat this joyful assembly process with all your skewers.
Step 3: Chill and Get Ready to Impress
Once all skewers are assembled, cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The chilling time allows all those amazing flavors to meld and the skewers to firm up just a bit, making them even easier and more pleasant to handle.
How to Serve Antipasto Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the skewers right before serving to add a pop of greenery and fresh herbal notes. For an extra touch of elegance, a light drizzle of the reserved marinade will add sheen and coax out the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve these skewers alongside crusty Italian bread or crunchy breadsticks to balance the tangy juices. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also makes a delightful companion to keep the meal light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stand the skewers upright in a decorative glass or a small bowl filled with coarse sea salt or peppercorns. This not only looks stunning on your serving table but makes grabbing a skewer super easy for guests. Additionally, arranging them on a wooden board with little bowls of extra olives and marinated veggies invites everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with any leftover Antipasto Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days while maintaining their bright flavors and appealing textures.
Freezing
Since these skewers are best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the fresh vegetables and cheese may become compromised once thawed.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat Antipasto Skewers. Serve them chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the distinct flavors and crisp components as intended.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Antipasto Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While marinated mozzarella balls bring creaminess and absorb flavors well, feel free to experiment with bocconcini or even cubed provolone for a different but tasty twist.
Is it necessary to marinate the mozzarella or can I use fresh mozzarella?
Marinated mozzarella infuses the cheese with herbs and oil, enhancing every bite. Using fresh mozzarella works too, but you might want to drizzle it with olive oil and herbs to mimic the marinade’s flavor profile.
How spicy are these skewers with cherry peppers?
Cherry peppers add a mild to moderate heat that provides a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer less spice, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or mild pickled peppers.
Can I make these skewers vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the salami with marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes to keep the vibrant flavor without the meat.
What occasions are best for serving Antipasto Skewers?
These skewers are perfect for parties, picnics, holiday gatherings, or as an easy appetizer before a larger meal. Their colorful appearance and delightful flavors always make a great impression.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Antipasto Skewers Recipe enough—it’s genuinely one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite and looks spectacular on any table. The ease of preparation combined with the fantastic medley of flavors makes it a serious winner for casual snacks or elegant entertaining. Trust me, once you make these skewers, they’ll become your go-to for sharing good times and great tastes with friends and family.
Print
Antipasto Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers (serves 8-8 servings as two skewers per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Antipasto Skewers are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring marinated mozzarella, cherry peppers, artichoke hearts, pickled green beans, salami, and Kalamata olives. Perfectly assembled on wooden skewers and served with the reserved marinade, they offer a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and salty flavors ideal for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Antipasto Skewers Ingredients
- 12 ounces marinated mozzarella balls
- 16 ounces cherry peppers, drained
- 14 ounces quartered marinated artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 jar pickled green beans, drained and cut into thirds
- 1 package thinly sliced salami
- 16 Kalamata olives
- 16 5-inch wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella balls: Remove the mozzarella balls from the marinade carefully and reserve the marinade for serving later with the skewers to add extra flavor.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry pepper onto a wooden skewer, followed by a quartered artichoke heart, then fold a slice of salami into four and add it, next a piece of pickled green bean, a mozzarella ball, and finish with a Kalamata olive. Repeat this sequence for all 16 skewers ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Chill and serve: After assembling, cover the skewers and refrigerate until ready to serve. Present them with the reserved marinade from the mozzarella for dipping or drizzling, enhancing flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Use marinated mozzarella and artichokes for added flavor without extra effort.
- Cherry peppers can be substituted with roasted red peppers for a milder taste.
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked in water for 10 minutes if planning to grill to prevent burning, though this recipe typically serves no cooking.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to meld flavors.
