These Easy Antipasto Skewers are the perfect no-cook recipe for holidays, parties, or busy weeknights when you need something simple and delicious.
They’re made with cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, olives, tortellini, and slices of salami and pepperoni all drizzled with Italian dressing for extra flavor.
Another easy appetizer that comes together fast, looks beautiful on a platter, and always disappears quickly at parties.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 20 min | Cook/Bake: 0 min | Difficulty: Easy
What it is: A fresh, no-cook appetizer made with mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, tortellini, salami, and pepperoni drizzled with Italian dressing. These colorful antipasto skewers are perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
Why you’ll love it: They come together fast, look beautiful on a platter, and are easy to customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, or veggies. A simple crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
How to make it: Thread the ingredients onto skewers, drizzle lightly with Italian dressing, and chill until serving. For extra flavor, marinate the tortellini in a little dressing before assembling.
👉Need more holiday appetizer inspiration? Check out my Holiday Appetizer eBook. It’s packed with easy-to-make recipes that are perfect for festive gatherings.
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Why I Love This Recipe and You Will Too!
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- My Kitchen Tools Essentials
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage & Serving Tips
- More Holiday Appetizers You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Recipe FAQ's
- Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
- Food Safety Tips:
- 💬 Comments
Why I Love This Recipe and You Will Too!
It’s no-cook and quick to assemble, making it perfect for parties or weeknight appetizers.
It looks fresh and colorful on any platter without any extra effort.
It’s easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or veggies based on what you have.
Looking for more appetizer ideas? Try my Caprese Puff Pastry Bites, these Charcuterie Cups, and even my Mini Ravioli Appetizer. Yum!
Recommended Kitchen Tools
For a full list of kitchen tools used in this recipe, be sure to check the recipe card below. You can also browse my Favorite Kitchen Tools by clicking the photo below.
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My Kitchen Tools Essentials
Tools that will make your time easier and faster in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Options: Swap the mozzarella cubes for marinated mozzarella balls, provolone, or cheddar for a different flavor.
Olive Choices: Use black olives, Kalamata olives, or stuffed olives in place of green olives.
Meat Alternatives: Replace salami or pepperoni with prosciutto, capicola, or another cured meat you prefer.
Extra Add-Ins: Add fresh basil leaves, roasted red peppers, or small pepperoncini for added color and flavor.
Pasta Swaps: Use cheese tortellini, spinach tortellini, or even mini ravioli if that’s what you have on hand.
Looking for an easier option? Try my Caprese Antipasto Skewers made with mozzarella cheese balls and grape tomatoes.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prep the ingredients by tossing the tortellini then the cubed cheese in the Italian dressing. Fold the salami and pepperoni into quarters. Begin the skewer with an olive and cheese cube.
Step 2: Complete the skewer with the rest of the tomatoes, tortellini, olives, cheese, salami, and pepperoni.
Step 3: Before serving, drizzle the skewers with the balsamic vinaigrette.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO marinate the tortellini in a little Italian dressing before assembling for extra flavor.
❌ DO NOT assemble the skewers too far in advance, as the tomatoes can soften and the cheese may dry out.
Storage & Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Store the assembled antipasto skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve for the freshest texture.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the tomatoes, cheese, and tortellini do not thaw well and become watery or soft.
Serving Tips: Drizzle with a little extra Italian dressing right before serving, or sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
More Holiday Appetizers You'll Love!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Antipasto Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook half a package of tortellini pasta according to package instructions then drain.
- Toss the pasta in ¼ cup Italian dressing, and let marinate and cool completely for about 15 minutes.
- While the tortellini cools, dice ½ lb of mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes.
- Pour the other ¼ cup of Italian dressing on top of the cheese cubes, coating completely and let marinate.
- Gather 24–36 pitted olives, 12 cherry tomatoes sliced in half, 12 slices of salami, and 12 slices of pepperoni.
- Assemble each skewer by threading on a mix of the following (in any order you prefer):2-3 olives2 cubes of mozzarella1 cherry tomato, sliced in half2 cooked tortellini1 piece of salami (folded, if desired)1 piece of pepperoni (folded, if desired)
- Place assembled skewers on a serving dish.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips
- Cook the tortellini just until tender, then rinse with cold water so it doesn’t soften the other ingredients on the skewers.
- Cut the cheese into evenly sized cubes so each skewer has a balanced look and flavor.
- Drizzle the skewers lightly with Italian dressing just before serving to keep them fresh and bright.
- Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator.
- Add the dressing right before serving to prevent the cheese and tomatoes from softening.
- Keep the skewers chilled until serving for the best texture and flavor.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Yes, you can make these antipasto skewers ahead of time. Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. For the best texture, wait to drizzle the Italian dressing until just before serving so the cheese and tomatoes stay fresh and the tortellini doesn’t soften.
It’s best to drizzle the dressing on after assembling and right before serving. Adding it too early can soften the cheese and tomatoes, and the tortellini may absorb too much dressing. A light drizzle just before serving keeps everything fresh, bright, and full of flavor.
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Food Safety Tips:
- Use separate utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination when handling raw ingredients.
- Wash hands thoroughly after working with raw ingredients like eggs or dough.
- Avoid leaving no-bake treats or raw components at room temperature for extended periods.
- Ensure all utensils, bowls, and surfaces are clean before starting.
- Store no-bake recipes, such as pudding pies and candy, in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe.
- Provide good ventilation when using a gas stove for melting or heating chocolate, butter or other ingredients.
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