These Antipasto Wreath Skewers are a colorful and tasty treat! They’ll brighten up your party table with a fun mix of olives, cheese, and meats, all on a stick.
Making these is super easy and a great way to get creative! I love arranging them into a wreath shape. Your guests will love munching on these festive bites while chatting away!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a nice pop of color and freshness. If they’re out of season, you can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Olives: Both green and Kalamata olives bring flavor. Can’t find Kalamata? Use black olives instead. I love mixing different types for variety.
Cured Meats: Salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto are great choices. If you want a lighter option, try turkey or chicken slices instead.
Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichokes are a delicious addition. If you’re not a fan, roasted red peppers make a fantastic substitute.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary creates a great wreath base. If rosemary isn’t available, basil or parsley is a nice alternative!
How Do I Assemble the Skewers Effectively?
Assembling the skewers is all about balance and creativity. Make sure to arrange the ingredients in a way that showcases their vibrant colors and textures. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with the heavier items at the bottom, like meat and artichokes, to keep the skewer balanced.
- Next, add the cherry tomatoes and olives. This adds variety and makes them visually appealing.
- Feel free to repeat or mix ingredients on each skewer for a creative touch.
Don’t forget to place your skewers in a circle around the rosemary to create that beautiful wreath shape, making it a festive centerpiece!
Antipasto Wreath Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 toothpicks or small skewers
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 12 green olives, pitted
- 12 Kalamata olives
- 6 slices of salami, cut in half and rolled
- 6 slices of pepperoni, cut in half and folded
- 6 slices of prosciutto or similar cured meat, cut in half and rolled
- 6 marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish and wreath base
- Fresh basil leaves, optional garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare these delightful Antipasto Wreath Skewers. This includes the time for chopping and assembling. It’s a quick and easy recipe that packs a lot of flavor without any cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meats:
First, get all your cured meats ready. Take the slices of salami, pepperoni, and prosciutto, and cut them in half. You can either roll or fold them to make it easier to fit onto the skewers while keeping them looking nice!
2. Cutting Artichoke Hearts:
Your marinated artichoke hearts need to be quartered for easy assembly. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures that they can be threaded onto the skewers without falling apart!
3. Assembling the Skewers:
Now, it’s time to build your skewers! Start with a toothpick or skewer and thread one cherry tomato, followed by one green olive, one Kalamata olive, a rolled or folded slice of meat, and finally an artichoke quarter. Don’t hesitate to mix the order or repeat ingredients for a fun look!
4. Creating the Wreath Base:
Take a round serving plate and arrange fresh rosemary sprigs all around the edge to create a beautiful wreath shape. This will serve as the perfect backdrop for your skewers.
5. Placing the Skewers:
Now, place your assembled skewers either gently upright or laid down around the rosemary wreath. Aim to create a lovely circular pattern that mimics a festive holiday wreath!
6. Adding Optional Herbs:
If you have fresh basil leaves, tuck them in between the skewers. This adds an extra touch of green and a delightful aroma!
7. Serving:
These colorful skewers can be served right away, or you can refrigerate them until it’s time to enjoy. Either way, your guests will love these tasty bites!
This no-cook antipasto appetizer is perfect for holiday parties or gatherings. It combines savory meats, tangy olives, fresh vegetables, and marinated artichokes into one festive and eye-catching presentation. Enjoy!
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the antipasto skewers a few hours in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Substitute for the Cured Meats?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use turkey or chicken slices for a lighter option. Vegetarians can replace meats with marinated tofu or additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep the skewers fresh, try to separate any ingredients that might sog up the other items.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up by using bell pepper chunks, cucumbers, or even pickles. The key is to choose vegetables that can easily be added to the skewers and have good flavor!
