Description
Colorful, flavorful antipasto skewers with marinated cheese tortellini, mozzarella, salami, olives, artichoke hearts, and tomatoes. Perfect for parties!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls (small, ciliegine size)
- 8 ounces salami, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, quartered and drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Wooden skewers (approximately 6-8 inches long)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Marinate the Tortellini: Place drained tortellini in the bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
- Prepare Antipasto Ingredients: If mozzarella balls are larger than ciliegine size, cut them in half. Cut salami into 1-inch cubes. Drain olives and artichoke hearts. Wash and dry cherry tomatoes and basil (if using).
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread ingredients onto wooden skewers in desired order. A suggested pattern: cherry tomato, tortellini, mozzarella, salami, artichoke heart, black olive. Repeat until skewer is almost full.
- Arrange and Serve: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with leftover marinade (optional). Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional). Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Tortellini: Use other tortellini types like spinach and ricotta, meat, or mushroom.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.
- Cheese: Try provolone, feta, or marinated mozzarella.
- Meat: Wrap prosciutto around mozzarella or tortellini.
- Vegetarian: Omit salami and add more vegetables or cheese.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Grilling: Grill skewers for a smoky flavor, but watch carefully to avoid melting the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes