Description
Colorful Italian antipasto skewers filled with marinated cheese tortellini, fresh mozzarella, salami, tomatoes, olives, and basil. Prepare them ahead for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 20 small cheese tortellini, uncooked, plus a few spares
- 20 small fresh mozzarella balls, such as ciliegine, drained
- 20 thin slices ready-to-eat salami or pepperoni
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 10 pitted green olives, drained
- 10 pitted Kalamata olives, drained
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup Italian dressing
- 10 wooden skewers, approximately 8–10 inches long
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender while keeping the seams intact.
- Drain and gently rinse the tortellini under cold water until cool. Drain thoroughly. Drain and lightly blot the mozzarella.
- Place the tortellini, mozzarella, and Italian dressing in a bowl. Fold gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, turning once.
- Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil. Leave small tomatoes whole or halve larger ones. Fold wide salami slices and confirm that all the olives are pitted.
- Divide the ingredients among 10 skewers. Add 2 tortellini, 2 mozzarella balls, 2 meat slices, 1 tomato, 1 green olive, 1 Kalamata olive, and 1 basil leaf to each.
- Arrange the skewers on a platter. Spoon over a little refrigerated marinade if needed, then serve chilled or cover and refrigerate.
Notes
Notes
- Make one skewer first to confirm that the ingredients fit comfortably.
- Pierce the tortellini gently through a firm folded edge to prevent tearing.
- Taste the dressed ingredients with the salami before adding salt.
- For a milder coating, replace the dressing with 3 tablespoons olive oil mixed with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- For vegetarian skewers, replace the salami with roasted pepper strips or drained artichoke pieces. Confirm that the tortellini, cheese, and dressing are vegetarian.
- The assembled skewers can be refrigerated for several hours. Add the basil close to serving for the freshest appearance.
- Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them within 1–2 days for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes - Additional time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian