Name: Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 20 long wooden skewers; 1 16 ounce package cheese tortellini; 40 large olives (Castelvetranos or kalamata); 40 plump cherry tomatoes; 40 thin slices Genoa salami; 40 thin slices prosciutto; 20 baby mozzarella balls; 20 cubes sharp provolone cheese; 40 pieces torn fresh basil; 20 pieces chopped artichoke hearts; 2 roasted red peppers, seeds removed, chopped into small pieces; 1/2 cup (113 ml) olive oil; 3 tablespoons (42 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil; 2 tablespoons (28 ml) red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon (18 ml) honey; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 4 reviews

Hey, if you’re craving a fun, colorful, and downright delicious bite-sized party treat, you’ve got to try my Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe. These skewers are the perfect balance of savory meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, and those pillowy tortellini pieces all drizzled with a bright, zesty dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a snack that feels special, these little guys come through every time. Stick with me — I’ll share all my tips to make sure yours turn out just as fantastic as mine do!

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony: The combination of creamy cheese, salty meats, and fresh veggies creates a perfect burst in every bite.
Easy Assembly: No fancy cooking skills needed — just thread and serve for an impressive appetizer.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing and tortellini in advance to save time on party day.
Customizable: Swap or add ingredients based on what you and your guests love — flexibility is key!

Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese, appetizer ideas, party snack recipes, easy antipasto skewers, colorful finger foods - The image shows several skewers with five to seven layers each, arranged side by side on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has colorful ingredients stacked in this order from top to bottom: red cherry tomatoes or orange cherry tomatoes, green basil leaves or whole green olives, light yellow tortellini pasta, thin swirled slices of pink cured meat, and white cheese cubes or white mozzarella balls. Some layers also have small pieces of bright red roasted pepper. Green pesto sauce is drizzled over the skewers and on the surface around them, adding an extra texture and shine to the image. The overall look is fresh, vibrant, and neatly arranged. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

One of the reasons I adore this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe is because the ingredients are straightforward, but when combined, they sing. Each element brings a different texture and flavor, creating a skewer that surprises your taste buds in the best way. Plus, it’s pretty easy to find everything at your local grocery store.

Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese, appetizer ideas, party snack recipes, easy antipasto skewers, colorful finger foods - Flat lay of fresh cheese tortellini pasta, plump cherry tomatoes, large green Castelvetrano olives, torn bright green basil leaves, thin slices of rosy Genoa salami, delicate pink prosciutto slices, small white baby mozzarella balls, sharp provolone cheese cubes, chopped bright red roasted peppers, chopped pale artichoke hearts, and small white bowls containing golden olive oil, pale yellow lemon juice, deep red wine vinegar, sticky honey, minced fresh garlic cloves, coarse salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy, tender, and perfectly bite-sized — the star pasta of the dish that soaks up the dressing.
Castelvetrano or Kalamata Olives: Their briny pop gives these skewers that classic Mediterranean punch; I tend to go for Castelvetranos for their buttery flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness add freshness and color.
Genoa Salami: Salty and a little smoky, it complements the milder cheeses beautifully.
Prosciutto: Its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture balances the firmer meats and cheeses.
Baby Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and mild, they pair perfectly with basil and tomatoes.
Sharp Provolone Cheese: Offers a nap-inducing sharpness that contrasts well with the other cheeses.
Torn Basil Leaves: Infuse fresh herbal notes that brighten each bite.
Chopped Artichoke Hearts: Adds subtle tang and texture that keeps things interesting.
Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, they add color and a little complexity to each skewer.
Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Seasonings: Essential for the vibrant dressing that brings everything together with just the right zing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe is — honestly, I’ve made it so many different ways depending on the season and what’s in my fridge. It’s such a fun canvas to get creative with, and honestly, that’s part of the joy of serving these at a party.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the salami for spicy chorizo for a bit of heat; it’s a game-changer if you love bold flavors.
Vegetarian Version: Just skip the meats and double up on cheeses and veggies — trust me, it’s still incredibly satisfying.
Seasonal Twist: In summer, I add grilled zucchini or even a cube of fresh watermelon for a sweet pop.
Small Bites: For cocktail parties, cut the skewers shorter to make even more snackable bites.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook Tortellini and Prepare Dressing

First things first, I cook the tortellini following the package instructions — it usually takes around 7 to 9 minutes depending on the brand. Once cooked, quickly drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. While the pasta is cooking, pop all the dressing ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz them until smooth. I always give it a quick taste to tweak the salt or honey — that little balance is what lifts the whole recipe.

Step 2: Toss Tortellini with Dressing and Chill

Next, in a big bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with about a third of your dressing and the baby mozzarella balls. Give everything a gentle toss to coat each piece nicely. I like to refrigerate this mixture for at least 15 minutes, but you can chill it up to four hours ahead of time — this step really lets the flavors blend and keeps the tortellini tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Now comes the fun part — threading the ingredients! Grab your skewers and start alternating your favorite bites. I like to start with a tortellini, then an olive, a cherry tomato, some Genoa salami folded neatly, juicy roasted red pepper pieces, fresh torn basil, a cube of provolone, a slice of prosciutto, a bit of artichoke heart, and finish with a mozzarella ball. But honestly, you can mix and match — no two skewers need to be the same unless you want them to be.

Step 4: Serve and Drizzle Dressing

Arrange your beautiful skewers on a large platter and, if you want, drizzle a little more of the dressing over the top for an extra burst. If you’re making these ahead, I recommend keeping them covered in the fridge and bringing them to room temperature before serving so that dressing and flavors really shine.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Long Skewers: I always pick skewers long enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding, making presentation and eating easier.
Make Tortellini Ahead: Cooking and marinating tortellini earlier in the day lets those flavors sink in and reduces stress at serving time.
Fold Meats Neatly: Folding or rolling salami and prosciutto makes them easier to thread and looks neater on the skewer.
Balance the Flavors: Don’t skimp on the dressing—it’s the magic that pulls salty, sweet, and tangy together in one bite.

How to Serve Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or more torn basil leaves on top just before serving — it adds a gorgeous green pop and a fresh aroma. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze around the platter amps up the presentation and gives a sweet-tart kick that complements the skewers beautifully.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or a simple mixed greens salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. If you want a heartier spread, serve along with some marinated artichokes and roasted vegetables — keeping the Mediterranean vibes strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these skewers standing upright in a hollowed-out watermelon or melon rind — it looks stunning and makes for an easy grab-and-go display. Another fun trick: place them on a wooden charcuterie board with piles of olives, crackers, and fresh herbs scattered around for an inviting buffet-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge — I find the skewers stay tasty for up to two days, though the texture of some veggies softens slightly. Make sure to keep the dressing separate or only lightly drizzled on skewers you’re storing.

Freezing

Freezing these isn’t my go-to because fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil don’t thaw well, and the cheeses can change texture. If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing just the cooked tortellini separately without dressing and thawing them gently. Then assemble fresh skewers when you’re ready.

Reheating

Since these skewers are best served fresh or chilled, if you do have leftover tortellini, gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil before tossing again in some fresh dressing. Avoid overheating the mozzarella and basil to maintain their texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make the Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegan version, swap out the cheese tortellini for a vegan pasta alternative or stuffed vegan tortellini. Replace the cheeses with plant-based mozzarella and provolone substitutes, and opt for marinated tofu or grilled veggies instead of meats. The fresh veggies and dressing will still pack plenty of flavor.
How long can I prepare the skewers in advance?

You can prep the tortellini and dressing up to 4 hours ahead, but I recommend assembling the skewers within 1 to 2 hours before serving to keep basil and produce fresh and vibrant. If assembling earlier, store them covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
What makes the dressing so special?

The dressing is a bright medley of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, garlic, and fresh basil — it adds a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and herbaceous flavor that ties all the skewered ingredients together, enhancing every bite.
Can I substitute different cheeses or meats?

Definitely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to swap in your favorites like pepperoni, capicola, or fontina cheese. Just keep in mind the balance of salty, creamy, and fresh elements to maintain that classic antipasto vibe.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made these Antipasto Skewers with Tortellini and Cheese Recipe countless times for friends, family, and casual hangouts, and they never fail to get rave reviews. What I love most is how easy they are to throw together but how fancy and thoughtfully they feel when served. Whether you’re new to antipasto or a longtime fan, these skewers are a fantastic way to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to for every occasion where finger food is welcome. So grab those skewers and dig in — your snack game just leveled up!