Nothing beats the simplicity and festive vibe of antipasto skewers when you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer! These colorful little bites pack all the flavors of an Italian antipasto platter onto convenient skewers—perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just snacking. What I love most is how effortlessly they come together: just thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, olives, and fresh basil onto skewers, and boom—you’ve got edible rainbows that taste as good as they look. My friends always go crazy for them, and the best part? No cooking required. It’s like bringing a taste of Italy right to your fingertips!
Why You’ll Love These Antipasto Skewers
Trust me, these skewers are about to become your go-to party lifesaver. Here’s why:
- Effortless elegance: They look like you spent hours, but assembly takes just 15 minutes—no cooking, no stress, just stacking and stabbing!
- Total crowd-pleasers: Salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil? Even picky eaters can’t resist grabbing one (or five).
- No-cook magic: Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels like a crime against humanity.
- Portable perfection: No plates needed—just grab, munch, and mingle!
Ingredients for Antipasto Skewers
Gather these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your fridge already! The key is using the freshest stuff you can find. I like to arrange everything in little bowls before assembling, like my own antipasto mise en place (fancy term for “having your act together”). Here’s what you’ll need:
- The fresh stuff: 20 plump cherry tomatoes, 20 bright green basil leaves (go for the smaller ones—they’re easier to skewer)
- The creamy goodness: 20 small mozzarella balls (those pearl-sized ones are perfect—drained well so they don’t waterlog your skewers)
- The salty stars: 20 thin slices of salami (I use Genoa—it folds beautifully and has that perfect garlicky bite)
- The briny bites: 20 pitted olives (I mix green and kalamata because the colors pop, but use what you love)
- The tools: 20 small wooden skewers (about 6-inch ones work great—soak them in water for 10 minutes if you’re worried about splinters)
That’s it! Five ingredients, zero fuss. Just wait until you see how these simple things transform into something magical on a stick.
How to Make Antipasto Skewers
Okay, let me walk you through my foolproof method for assembling these beauties—it’s so easy you’ll be done before your guests arrive!
- Prep your station: Line up all ingredients within reach (I use a muffin tin to hold mozzarella balls—game changer!). This assembly-line approach makes the whole process lightning fast.
- Tomato first: Pierce a cherry tomato near the stem end with your skewer—this gives it something to “sit” on so it doesn’t slide around. Push it down about halfway.
- Add mozzarella: Thread one pearl right after the tomato. If the balls resist, give them a gentle twist as you push—they’ll pop right on.
- Fold that salami: Here’s my trick—fold each slice into quarters like a little handkerchief! The ruffled edges make them stay put and look fancy. Slide it on next.
- Olive action: Add one olive per skewer. If using different colors, alternate them across batches for that gorgeous rainbow effect.
- Basil finale: Finish with a basil leaf speared through the center. The scent alone will have people hovering around your platter!
Pro tip: Work in batches of 5-10 skewers at a time—it keeps your rhythm going and prevents tomato-rolling catastrophes. Once assembled, lay them gently on a tray lined with parchment or lettuce leaves. If they’ll sit awhile, cover loosely with damp paper towels to keep everything perky. That’s it—you’ve just made edible art!
Tips for Perfect Antipasto Skewers
Want your antipasto skewers to steal the show? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Fresh is best: Splurge on ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil—they make all the difference! I taste-test one olive from the jar first to check for bitterness.
- Timing is everything: Assemble up to 2 hours ahead, but wait to add basil until the last minute to prevent wilting. Keep them chilled under a damp paper towel (it’s like a spa day for your skewers!).
- Flavor boost: Right before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a quick mix of olive oil and grated garlic. The sweet-tangy contrast makes the salami and mozzarella sing!
- Skewer smarts: If tomatoes resist, poke a starter hole with a toothpick first. And always push ingredients to the same spot on each skewer—it looks pro.
Follow these little touches, and watch your skewers disappear faster than you can say “Mamma mia!”
Antipasto Skewers Variations
Mix it up with these easy twists—I love playing with different combos depending on what’s in my fridge! Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted red pepper chunks (the smoky sweetness is divine), or use prosciutto instead of salami for a more delicate bite. Feeling fancy? Add marinated artichoke hearts between the olives—their tangy punch takes these skewers next-level.
Serving Suggestions for Antipasto Skewers
These skewers shine brightest when you let them mingle with other Italian favorites! Arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside crusty bread, cured meats, and hunks of parmesan for an instant charcuterie spread. For drinks, I swear by a crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling Prosecco—the bubbles cut through the richness perfectly. Want something saucy? Offer small bowls of garlic-herb olive oil or spicy marinara for dipping. Just try not to eat them all before your guests arrive!
Storing and Reheating Antipasto Skewers
Here’s the deal—these skewers are best fresh, but if you must store them, keep them chilled no longer than 2 hours (food safety first!). I lay them in a single layer on a tray, cover with damp paper towels to prevent drying out, and tuck them in the fridge. No reheating needed—the cool temperature actually makes the flavors pop! Just pull them out 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off the mozzarella. Easy peasy.
Antipasto Skewers Nutrition Information
Let’s be real—nobody eats just one of these skewers! But if you’re curious about what you’re nibbling on, here’s the breakdown per skewer (values are estimates since brands vary). I always say: when food tastes this good and is this pretty, who’s counting?
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 3g (1g saturated)
- Carbs: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Not too shabby for such a flavorful bite, right? The mozzarella gives you calcium, tomatoes pack vitamin C, and olives bring those good-for-you fats. Eat up guilt-free!
FAQs About Antipasto Skewers
Can I use larger skewers? Absolutely! Those fancy long bamboo skewers work great if you’re feeling extra—just double up on ingredients per stick. I’ve done this for wedding appetizers where we threaded two of everything. Looks impressive and prevents guests from making too many trips to the buffet!
How far in advance can I assemble these? Here’s my golden rule: everything except the basil can be prepped 2 hours ahead. Those delicate basil leaves wilt faster than my willpower around fresh mozzarella. If you must prep earlier, keep components separate and assemble last-minute—takes just 5 minutes!
Vegetarian alternatives? Oh yes! Skip the salami and add roasted peppers or marinated artichokes instead. For vegan versions, use those amazing little almond-milk mozzarella balls now available. My herbivore friends go nuts when I make a separate batch with grilled zucchini slices—same colors, same deliciousness!
Can I use different cheeses? Please do! Small cubes of provolone or fresh ricotta salata work beautifully. Once I even used tiny wedges of aged pecorino—the sharpness cut through the other flavors like a dream. Just avoid super soft cheeses that might crumble.
What if my ingredients slide around? My secret? A tiny piece of folded parchment paper between layers! Or you can lightly spear a grape leaf at the base—it acts like a stopper while adding extra flavor. Problem solved! For more recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page.
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Irresistible 20-Minute Antipasto Skewers That Wow Guests
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Simple and colorful antipasto skewers perfect for parties or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 small mozzarella balls
- 20 slices of salami
- 20 pitted olives
- 20 basil leaves
- 20 small wooden skewers
Instructions
- Thread one cherry tomato onto a skewer.
- Add a mozzarella ball next.
- Fold a salami slice and add it to the skewer.
- Add an olive.
- Finish with a basil leaf.
- Repeat for all skewers.
- Arrange on a platter and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Skewers can be made 2 hours ahead.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg