Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella

Introduction

Looking for a fun, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering? These Italian Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Tortellini and Mozzarella are exactly what you need. Packed with marinated cheese tortellini, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, olives, and salami, these skewers are full of classic Italian flavors. Drizzled with a homemade Italian dressing marinade, each bite is bursting with zesty and savory goodness. These skewers are great for parties, picnics, or simply when you want to impress guests with a delicious and visually stunning appetizer.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for You

This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants to serve a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make appetizer that requires minimal cooking. The combination of fresh ingredients, marinated mozzarella and tortellini, and vibrant veggies makes this a colorful and tasty dish. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, which means less stress on the day of your event. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal gathering, these antipasto skewers will steal the show!

Ingredients

For the Skewers:

• 12 mozzarella balls
• 12 cheese tortellini
• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 12 green olives, pitted
• 12 black olives, pitted
• 12 slices salami

For the Italian Dressing Marinade:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Once cooked, place the tortellini in a strainer and rinse them under cold water until fully cooled. Set the tortellini aside to dry. This step ensures the tortellini are ready for marination without becoming mushy.

2. Prepare the Italian Dressing Marinade

In a mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh oregano, grated garlic, dijon mustard, sea salt, coarse black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until everything is well mixed and emulsified. This homemade marinade adds vibrant flavors to the skewers, elevating each bite.

3. Marinate the Ingredients

In a large bowl with a lid, add the mozzarella balls, cooked tortellini, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the prepared Italian dressing marinade over these ingredients, ensuring everything is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, for best results, let them marinate overnight. The longer the ingredients marinate, the more flavorful they become.

4. Assemble the Skewers

Once your ingredients are marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Using wooden or metal skewers, alternate between the following ingredients:

• Mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves
• Tortellini
• Green olives
• Black olives
• Salami slices
• Cherry tomatoes

Continue this pattern until all ingredients are used, ensuring each skewer has a variety of flavors and textures.

5. Serve

Once assembled, arrange the antipasto skewers on a serving platter. These vibrant skewers are best served chilled or at room temperature. They make a beautiful centerpiece for any appetizer table and are easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Wooden or metal skewers for assembling
• Large bowl with a lid for marinating
• Mason jar or small bowl for mixing the marinade
• Strainer for draining the tortellini
• Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients

Tips and Shortcuts

• Time Saver: Use pre-made Italian dressing if you’re short on time, but homemade dressing always tastes fresher and more vibrant.
• Marination Tip: Marinate the mozzarella and tortellini overnight for the best flavor. The longer they sit in the dressing, the more they’ll absorb the zesty marinade.
• Skewer Options: You can make mini-skewers using toothpicks for bite-sized, easy-to-eat appetizers.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the salami and add more veggies like roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or marinated mushrooms.
• Cheese Substitutes: Swap the mozzarella for marinated bocconcini or cubes of provolone for a different cheese texture and flavor.
• Tortellini Variation: Try using spinach and cheese tortellini for a pop of green color and extra flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover Antipasto Skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If they’ve already been assembled, they should hold up well, but it’s best to store the skewers without the basil leaves as they may wilt over time.

To make the skewers in advance, you can marinate the mozzarella and tortellini up to 24 hours before assembly and keep them in the fridge.

Food and Drink Pairings

These Italian Antipasto Skewers pair beautifully with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing Rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water or lemonade for a fresh and tangy complement.

If you’re serving these skewers as part of a larger meal, pair them with bruschetta, caprese salad, or a simple pasta dish for a complete Italian-themed spread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the skewers a few hours before serving. Just store them in the refrigerator and take them out about 20 minutes before serving to bring them to room temperature.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap out the cheese tortellini for ravioli or even gnocchi for a unique twist on the classic antipasto.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: To make these skewers gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortellini or replace the tortellini with gluten-free pasta options like zucchini noodles.

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