Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

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Colorful, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella are the ultimate party appetizer. These vibrant skewers are packed with the bold tastes of Italy: smoky salami, creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, olives, and herb-marinated cheese-filled tortellini. All assembled on wooden sticks, they make a stunning presentation and are easy to grab and enjoy.

Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a light lunch, these antipasto skewers are both fun to make and delightful to eat. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a festive holiday party, or a game day spread, this easy no-cook recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and disappear fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

This is not your average appetizer. These antipasto skewers bring together savory, creamy, tangy, and herby elements in one delicious bite. The marinated tortellini add a gourmet touch and extra texture, while the salami and olives infuse every skewer with that authentic Italian flair. Best of all, it requires no cooking (except boiling the tortellini), so it’s a low-effort, high-reward dish you can prep ahead of time.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section works best. You can also use frozen tortellini—just cook it according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before marinating. Look for tortellini filled with ricotta or a blend of Italian cheeses for a creamy, indulgent bite. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked and ready-to-eat tortellini from the deli section is a great shortcut.

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Ingredients for the Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

Each ingredient in these skewers plays a key role in building the ultimate bite-sized flavor bomb. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cheese Tortellini: The heart of the skewer. Marinate these for extra flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
• Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): Creamy and mild, they pair beautifully with tangy and salty elements.
• Salami or Pepperoni Slices: Adds a rich, savory depth and classic Italian meatiness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they balance out the richness of the cheese and meats.
• Green and Kalamata Olives: Offer a briny bite and beautiful color contrast.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For a pop of herbaceous freshness in every bite.
• Italian Dressing or Olive Oil + Italian Seasoning: Used to marinate the tortellini and mozzarella, infusing them with bold flavors.
• Wooden Skewers: Essential for assembling your antipasto into grab-and-go perfection.

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How To Make the Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Marinate the Tortellini and Mozzarella

In a bowl, toss the cooled tortellini and mozzarella balls with Italian dressing or a mix of olive oil and Italian seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors soak in.

Step 3: Prepare Your Ingredients

While the tortellini marinates, halve any large olives and cherry tomatoes if needed. Fold the salami slices in half or quarters for better stacking.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

On each wooden skewer, thread one of each ingredient, alternating colors and textures: tortellini, mozzarella, salami, tomato, olive, basil leaf, and repeat as desired. Fill the skewer about 3/4 of the way to leave a clean grip.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Arrange the skewers on a platter, drizzle with any leftover marinade or a touch of olive oil, and sprinkle fresh herbs on top if you like. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

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How to Serve and Store Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

These skewers are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them ideal for parties or picnics. Arrange them on a large platter, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil or leftover marinade just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

This recipe yields about 20 skewers and can easily feed 8 to 10 people as an appetizer. They also work wonderfully as part of a lunch spread or charcuterie board.

To store, place assembled skewers in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you plan to make them in advance, it’s best to assemble them the night before your event to preserve texture and freshness.

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What to Serve With Italian Antipasto Skewers?

Crusty Bread or Focaccia

A basket of sliced focaccia or crusty baguette makes the perfect partner. It soaks up any juices and adds a chewy, satisfying bite.

Italian Pasta Salad

Double up on Italian flavors by pairing with a zesty pasta salad filled with veggies, olives, and parmesan.

Roasted Vegetables

Serve alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a colorful, veggie-rich addition.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

This sweet and salty combo complements the skewers’ savory elements and adds an elegant touch.

Sparkling Water or Italian Soda

Balance the richness of the skewers with a refreshing, fizzy drink. Blood orange or lemon flavors work particularly well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Italian Antipasto Skewers in advance?

Yes! You can make them up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the skewers, then store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Wait to drizzle with extra dressing or garnish until just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

What kind of skewers should I use?

Wooden skewers are ideal and widely available. Choose 6-inch skewers for appetizer-sized portions or 10-12 inch ones for a more generous serving. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes if you’re worried about them drying out.

How long should I marinate the tortellini and mozzarella?

Marinate them for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, up to 4 hours is even better. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will help infuse some seasoning.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the salami or pepperoni and double up on the veggies or add marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled zucchini for a delicious meat-free version.

How do I keep the ingredients from sliding off the skewers?

Make sure ingredients like mozzarella and tortellini are well-dried before assembling. Also, fold or bunch softer items like salami to provide resistance on the skewer, helping hold everything in place.

For more creative appetizers like this one, check out our guide on how to build a charcuterie board or explore our no-cook party favorites.

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