Oh my gosh, you have to try these Antipasto Salad Skewers! I swear, they’re the easiest, most crowd-pleasing appetizer I’ve ever thrown together. Picture this: all those classic Italian flavors you love – juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty salami – all stacked neatly on a skewer. No plates needed, no mess, just pure deliciousness in every bite.
I first made these for a last-minute girls’ night when I realized I’d forgotten to prep anything fancy. Twenty minutes later, I had these gorgeous skewers ready to go, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than the wine! What I love most is how portable they are – perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just snacking straight from the fridge.
Why You’ll Love These Antipasto Salad Skewers
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say these skewers will become your new go-to appetizer. Here’s why:
- 15 minutes flat – That’s all it takes from fridge to table. No oven, no fuss!
- No cooking required – Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the stove feels like torture.
- Endlessly customizable – Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or what your crowd loves.
- Portable perfection – These travel like champs to picnics, potlucks, or backyard BBQs.
- Looks fancy, tastes amazing – The colorful layers make people think you slaved for hours.
Seriously, I’ve served these to everyone from picky kids to foodie friends, and they always get rave reviews. The best part? You can assemble them while chatting with guests – multitasking at its tastiest!
Ingredients for Antipasto Salad Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, you’ll want to use the good stuff here! The magic of these skewers comes from that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need for about a dozen skewers (but I always make extra because they vanish fast!):
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Look for the plump, shiny ones that feel heavy for their size
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (the pearl-sized ones work perfectly) – Drain them well so they don’t water down your skewers
- 1 cup sliced salami – I fold each slice into quarters for that cute ruffled look
- 1 cup pitted olives – Kalamata or green olives both work wonders here
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, cut into 1-inch squares – Jarred ones are fine, just pat them dry
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – The aromatic pop that ties everything together
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing – Use your favorite brand or whip up a quick homemade version
See? Simple, fresh ingredients that come together like magic. Now let’s get stacking!
How to Make Antipasto Salad Skewers
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – assembling these beauties! I promise it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (why are those things so impossible?). Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have Instagram-worthy skewers in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First things first – give those cherry tomatoes a quick rinse and pat them dry. Nobody wants watery skewers! Drain your mozzarella pearls really well too – I usually let them sit in a strainer for a few minutes. For the roasted peppers, slice them into cute little squares about 1-inch big. Oh, and don’t forget to pat them dry with paper towels – this step makes all the difference!
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Now the creative part! Grab your skewers (I use 6-inch wooden ones) and start threading. My favorite order is: tomato, folded salami (it looks so fancy!), mozzarella, olive, red pepper, and finish with a fresh basil leaf. But honestly? There’s no wrong way to stack these – just make sure each skewer gets a little bit of everything!
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your skewers on a pretty platter – I like to fan them out in a circle. Wait until right before serving to drizzle with that zesty Italian dressing (trust me, it keeps everything looking fresh). Pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes if you can wait – the flavors meld together beautifully!
Tips for Perfect Antipasto Salad Skewers
After making these skewers more times than I can count (seriously, my friends request them constantly), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Chill before serving – Let them sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after assembling. The flavors get cozy together and taste even better!
- Skewer smarts – Wooden skewers work great (soak them first if you’re making ahead), but metal ones give a fancy touch for parties.
- Dressing timing – Wait until the last minute to drizzle that Italian dressing to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.
- Size matters – Keep ingredients bite-sized so each skewer gets a perfect mix in every mouthful.
Oh! And always make extra – these disappear faster than you can say “antipasto”!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of my favorite things about these skewers? You can mix and match ingredients based on what you’ve got or what you’re craving. Here are my go-to swaps that always work like a charm:
- Meat lovers: Swap salami for prosciutto, pepperoni, or even chunks of grilled chicken for a lighter option
- Cheese choices: No mozzarella pearls? Cubed provolone or fontina work beautifully too
- Veggie variations: Artichoke hearts, marinated mushrooms, or even zucchini slices can stand in for the red peppers
- Olive options: Not an olive fan? Try capers or pepperoncini for that briny kick
- Dressing switch-up: Balsamic glaze or pesto make delicious alternatives to Italian dressing
The beauty is – there are no rules! Just keep that perfect balance of salty, creamy, and fresh elements on each skewer.
Serving Suggestions for Antipasto Salad Skewers
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve these skewers! They’re perfect all on their own, but pair them with a crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio is my go-to) and some crusty bread, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a fancy little antipasto platter. For parties, I’ll arrange them alongside some marinated artichokes and a bowl of warm olives – instant Italian feast! They also make the perfect pre-dinner nibble when I’m serving pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Good news – these skewers keep like a dream! Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge (I layer them between parchment paper so they don’t stick together). They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days – though in my house, they never last that long! No reheating needed – they taste best chilled straight from the fridge.
Antipasto Salad Skewers Nutrition Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, these skewers are as kind to your waistline as they are to your taste buds! Each skewer comes in around 120 calories, with about 6g of protein to keep you satisfied. They’ve got just 5g of carbs (mostly from those juicy tomatoes and peppers) and 8g of healthy fats from the olives, cheese, and salami.
Now, a quick heads up – these counts can vary depending on your exact ingredients (especially if you go wild with extra salami or cheese – no judgment here!). But compared to most appetizers, these little flavor bombs are a pretty guilt-free way to snack!
FAQs About Antipasto Salad Skewers
I get questions about these skewers all the time – here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them up to 24 hours before serving – just wait to add the dressing until right before they hit the table. I like to layer them in a container with parchment paper between the layers so they don’t stick together.
What’s the best type of skewer to use?
For parties, I love 6-inch wooden skewers (soak them in water for 30 minutes first if making ahead). Metal skewers work great too and look extra fancy! Just watch those pointy ends if kids are around.
How long do they last in the fridge?
About 2 days max – though in my experience, they never stick around that long! The tomatoes might get a bit soft after day one, so I try to serve them fresh when possible.
Can I make these vegetarian?
You bet! Skip the salami and load up on extra veggies – artichokes, mushrooms, and cubes of grilled eggplant are all delicious swaps. The mozzarella gives it enough richness to still feel indulgent.
What if my ingredients won’t stay on the skewer?
Ah, the eternal struggle! Make sure everything is patted dry first. If things are still sliding, try threading through the sturdiest items first (like tomatoes or folded salami) to anchor everything.
Okay, I need to see your creations! Snap a pic of your skewers and tag me – I live for seeing how you put your own spin on this recipe. Did you try a fun variation? Find the perfect wine pairing? Drop a comment below and let’s swap tips! These skewers have become my party staple, and I’d love to hear how they turn out in your kitchen.
Print15-Minute Antipasto Salad Skewers That Steal the Show
Antipasto Salad Skewers are a fun and easy appetizer or snack. They combine classic antipasto ingredients on skewers for a portable and flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1 cup sliced salami
- 1 cup pitted olives
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, cut into squares
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, salami, olives, red peppers, and basil leaves onto skewers.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with Italian dressing before serving.
Notes
- Use wooden or metal skewers.
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
- Customize with your favorite antipasto ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
