Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette: A Perfect Party Appetizer

If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests, Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette are the perfect choice. Combining classic antipasto ingredients like marinated mozzarella balls, salami, artichokes, and olives with the delightful bite of cheese tortellini, these skewers are both delicious and visually stunning. The refreshing lemon basil vinaigrette ties everything together, making it the ideal party snack or starter for any Italian-inspired meal. In this article, we’ll dive into how to make these delectable skewers, tips for customizing the recipe, and some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of this dish.

Why Antipasto Tortellini Skewers Are a Must-Try

Antipasto, which means “before the meal” in Italian, is a traditional starter that includes a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and olives. Combining this with cheese tortellini, a beloved Italian pasta, gives you a bite-sized treat full of diverse textures and rich flavors. These skewers are not only simple to make but are incredibly versatile, so they can easily be customized to fit dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand in your kitchen.

The best part? Antipasto Tortellini Skewers can be served cold, making them the perfect dish to prep ahead of time. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or a weeknight dinner, these skewers will quickly become a crowd favorite.

Ingredients for Antipasto Tortellini Skewers

To create the perfect Antipasto Tortellini Skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Skewers:

• 9 oz cheese tortellini, cooked and cooled – The tortellini is the heart of this dish, offering a cheesy, hearty bite.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these add color and freshness to the skewers.
• 1 cup marinated mozzarella balls (bocconcini) – The creamy texture of mozzarella is a classic component in antipasto platters.
• 1/2 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped – Artichokes bring a tangy, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1/2 cup sliced olives (black or green) – These provide a salty, briny contrast to the cheese and vegetables.
• 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices, folded – For that savory, slightly spicy kick, adding protein to the skewers.
• Fresh basil leaves – These bring a touch of fresh, fragrant herbiness to the dish.
• Wooden skewers or toothpicks – Essential for assembling your antipasto skewers.

For the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil – The base of the vinaigrette, providing richness and a smooth texture.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh) – Lemon juice brightens up the dish with acidity and freshness.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Adds an additional punch of citrus flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Gives the vinaigrette a slight tang and depth of flavor.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – A little garlic helps round out the vinaigrette with savory notes.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped – This infuses the vinaigrette with fresh herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season and bring all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Antipasto Tortellini Skewers

1. Cook the Tortellini

Start by preparing your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. Set the cooled tortellini aside while you gather the other ingredients.

2. Assemble the Skewers

Take your wooden skewers or toothpicks and begin threading the ingredients. Start with the tortellini, followed by a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, some marinated artichoke hearts, a few slices of olives, a fold of salami or pepperoni, and a fresh basil leaf. Continue this process until all ingredients are used up. You can mix and match the order of the ingredients based on your preference, but be sure to alternate for a balanced flavor profile.

3. Make the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, and chopped basil. Add salt and pepper to taste, and continue whisking until the vinaigrette is smooth. The mustard helps emulsify the vinaigrette, ensuring that the oil and lemon juice blend together harmoniously. Add more water, one tablespoon at a time, if you need to thin it out for easier drizzling.

4. Dress the Skewers

Once your skewers are assembled, drizzle the lemon basil vinaigrette over the top of the skewers just before serving. Alternatively, you can serve the vinaigrette as a dip on the side for a more interactive experience. The vinaigrette adds a zesty, herb-infused layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

5. Serve

Serve your Antipasto Tortellini Skewers either chilled or at room temperature. They make a fantastic appetizer for a party or can be paired with other Italian dishes for a complete meal. Serve them with some crusty bread or crostini for an added crunch, and enjoy!

FAQs About Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While tortellini is traditional, you can use any type of short pasta that you prefer. Penne, rotini, or farfalle would all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make the skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Antipasto Tortellini Skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just be sure to drizzle the lemon basil vinaigrette on just before serving to keep everything fresh.

3. Can I make the vinaigrette without Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can skip the Dijon mustard if you prefer a simpler vinaigrette. However, it does help with the flavor and the texture, so I’d recommend trying it at least once.

4. Are these skewers gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta, these Antipasto Tortellini Skewers can easily be made gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of other ingredients like the salami or pepperoni to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the skewers?

Yes, feel free to customize your skewers! Add ingredients like grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, cucumbers, or even roasted peppers for more variety.

Conclusion

Antipasto Tortellini Skewers with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette are the ultimate appetizer or party snack that’s easy to make, customizable, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or preparing for a special occasion, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of creamy mozzarella, savory salami, fresh basil, and zesty lemon vinaigrette creates a harmonious and satisfying bite in every skewer.

Try these skewers for your next event, and you’ll quickly discover why they’re such a beloved dish. The versatility, ease of preparation, and vibrant flavors make Antipasto Tortellini Skewers a must-try recipe for any occasion.

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