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Quick No-Cook Antipasto Skewers Easy 5-Minute Party Recipe

no-cook antipasto skewers - featured image

These quick no-cook antipasto skewers are a colorful, flavorful, and fuss-free appetizer perfect for last-minute parties or casual get-togethers. Ready in about five minutes, they combine savory cured meats, fresh mozzarella, marinated vegetables, and olives for a taste of Italy on a stick.

Ingredients

  • Slices of pepperoni or salami, folded or rolled
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or mini mozzarella pearls
  • Marinated artichoke hearts (quartered)
  • Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)
  • Roasted red peppers (sliced)
  • Mixed Italian olives like Castelvetrano or Kalamata (pitted)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved if large)
  • Cucumber slices (thick rounds or half-moons)
  • Fresh basil leaves or oregano sprigs for garnish
  • Small pickled peppers or pepperoncini (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain the marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes to avoid sogginess. Slice the roasted red peppers into bite-sized strips. Halve the cherry tomatoes if large, and slice cucumbers into thick rounds or half-moons. Tear or fold the pepperoni or salami slices into manageable pieces for skewering.
  2. Grab a skewer and begin layering the ingredients in this pattern: one piece of cured meat folded, followed by a mozzarella ball, then an olive, a marinated artichoke heart, a cherry tomato half, and finally a cucumber slice. Repeat or adjust depending on skewer length, leaving a small space at the end for handling.
  3. Place the finished skewers neatly on your serving platter. Scatter fresh basil leaves or oregano sprigs around for color and freshness. Lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of balsamic glaze for a glossy finish and tangy kick.
  4. Crack fresh black pepper over the skewers just before serving. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or add a few pickled pepperoncini alongside the platter for a bit of heat.

Notes

If making ahead, keep assembled skewers covered in the fridge for up to 4 hours and add olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain freshness. For vegetarian versions, substitute cured meats with marinated tofu cubes or grilled vegetables. Use small appetizer picks or toothpicks if skewers are unavailable. Avoid overcrowding skewers for best presentation and flavor balance.

Nutrition

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