These Giada De Laurentiis Antipasto Skewers bring the vibrant flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter into a convenient, bite-sized appetizer. Each skewer layers fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, savory salami, olives, marinated artichokes, and sweet roasted peppers.
The result? A colorful and flavorful appetizer that looks impressive yet takes only minutes to assemble. It’s the perfect dish for parties, holiday gatherings, picnics, or casual entertaining.
Best of all, these skewers combine the essence of traditional Italian antipasto—salty, fresh, tangy, and herbaceous—in every bite.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Perfect party appetizer: Easy to grab and eat without utensils.
- Beautiful presentation: Colorful ingredients make an eye-catching platter.
- Authentic Italian flavors: Mozzarella, salami, olives, and basil create classic antipasto taste.
- Quick to assemble: No cooking required.
- Easy to customize: Swap meats, cheeses, or vegetables to suit your taste.
They’re elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for everyday snacking.
What Are Antipasto Skewers?
Antipasto is the traditional first course of an Italian meal. The word literally means “before the meal” and typically includes cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and bread.
Antipasto skewers are a modern, party-friendly version of this classic platter. Instead of arranging ingredients on a board, everything is threaded onto skewers, creating portable bites filled with Mediterranean flavor.
Giada De Laurentiis often highlights simple Italian ingredients in creative ways, and these skewers are a perfect example—fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant.
Cooking Tips for the Best Antipasto Skewers
- Use high-quality mozzarella. Fresh cherry mozzarella balls work best.
- Drain marinated ingredients well. This prevents excess oil on the platter.
- Roll the salami tightly. It keeps the skewers neat and visually appealing.
- Balance colors. Alternate ingredients for a vibrant presentation.
- Use sturdy skewers. About 8 inches (20 cm) long works perfectly.
- Serve slightly chilled or room temperature. This enhances the flavors.
- You can also drizzle the finished skewers lightly with extra-virgin olive oil for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make antipasto skewers ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What other meats can I use instead of salami?
Prosciutto, pepperoni, or capicola all work beautifully.
Can I make vegetarian antipasto skewers?
Absolutely. Simply omit the salami and add extra vegetables such as grilled zucchini, marinated mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
What cheese works best for antipasto skewers?
Cherry mozzarella balls are ideal, but cubed provolone or fontina also work well.
What kind of olives should I use?
A combination of green olives and Kalamata olives adds both color and flavor variety.
Are antipasto skewers served hot or cold?
They’re typically served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for parties.
How to Store Antipasto Skewers
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, place a paper towel underneath the skewers in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
How to Freeze Antipasto Skewers
Freezing is not recommended for antipasto skewers. Fresh ingredients like mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil lose their texture when frozen and thawed. If you want to prep ahead, simply prepare the ingredients and assemble the skewers shortly before serving.
Ingredients
- 6 cherry mozzarella balls
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/8 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 6 green olives
- 6 thin slices salami, rolled
- 3 piquillo peppers, cut in half lengthwise
- 2 roasted yellow peppers, cut into 6 strips and rolled
- 6 Kalamata olives
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 6 quarters marinated artichoke hearts
- 6 skewers (about 8 inches / 20 cm)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella balls, olive oil, oregano, and kosher salt. Toss gently to coat.
Take one skewer and thread the ingredients in the following order:
- Cherry tomato
- Basil leaf
- Marinated mozzarella ball
- Green olive
- Rolled slice of salami
- Half piquillo pepper
- Rolled roasted yellow pepper strip
- Kalamata olive
- Basil leaf
- Quarter marinated artichoke heart
Repeat the same order until all six skewers are assembled.
Arrange the finished antipasto skewers on a serving platter and serve immediately.
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