Bring the spirit of an Italian gathering to your table with these Easy Antipasto Kabobs. Bursting with vibrant flavors, playful textures, and an eye-catching rainbow of Mediterranean colors, this no-cook appetizer is a celebration on a stick! Each bite offers a little something for everyone: creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, savory salami, zesty olives, marinated veggies, all kissed with fresh basil. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, Easy Antipasto Kabobs add a touch of festive fun to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Antipasto Kabobs lies in the harmonious mix of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each addition brings its own unique personality to the party, from richness and tang to that irresistible pop of color.
- Mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): Creamy and mild, these mini cheese balls provide the perfect soft and milky base for the skewers.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with that classic tomato freshness to brighten each bite.
- Pitted black or green olives: Add a briny punch and a touch of Mediterranean flair; choose your favorite variety or mix them for contrast.
- Salami or pepperoni slices: Folded for easy threading and a savory, meaty bite that delivers a hint of spice.
- Marinated artichoke heart quarters: Lend a tender texture and delicious, slightly tangy flavor that plays well with the other ingredients.
- Roasted red pepper strips: Offers a sweet and smoky note plus vibrant color—cut into chunks for even distribution.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn for just the right amount of peppery fragrance and a pop of green.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base of a quick dressing, adding silky richness and helping all the flavors mingle.
- Balsamic glaze (optional): A sweet, tangy drizzle that gives everything a gourmet touch and gorgeous finish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that ties the whole kabob together with familiar Italian warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Just a pinch to bring out the best in each ingredient.
- Small wooden skewers: The trusty tools that turn ordinary antipasto into fun, portable finger food!
How to Make Easy Antipasto Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients for Skewering
Before you start assembling, lay out all your Easy Antipasto Kabobs ingredients in small bowls or on a tray. This makes the process easy and lets you see all the colorful options as you work. If any roasted pepper strips or artichoke hearts are larger than bite-sized, cut them down to fit comfortably with the other components. Tear basil leaves in half so every kabob gets a taste of that fragrant freshness.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
Grab a small wooden skewer and begin creating your kabobs by alternating ingredients for maximum color and variety. Start with a mozzarella ball, then add a cherry tomato, a folded slice of salami or pepperoni, a pitted olive, a piece of artichoke, a chunk of roasted red pepper, and finally a half basil leaf. Repeat this sequence (or switch it up!) to fill the skewer, leaving the ends clear for easy handling. Continue until all your Easy Antipasto Kabobs are assembled.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This quick, aromatic dressing brings the kabobs together, infusing them with a touch of classic Italian herbiness and a subtle, glossy sheen.
Step 4: Dress and Finish
Drizzle your fresh kabobs generously with the olive oil dressing. If you’re feeling a little fancy, finish with a luscious swirl of balsamic glaze on top. The glaze is optional, but it adds such a lovely sweet-tart note and a beautiful finishing touch!
Step 5: Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature
These Easy Antipasto Kabobs are ready to shine! Serve them chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing appetizer, or let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to let the flavors fully bloom. They’re perfect for grazing guests or a quick, no-fuss snack anytime.
How to Serve Easy Antipasto Kabobs
Garnishes
Dress up your platter with extras for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh cracked black pepper, or an extra scatter of torn basil and flat-leaf parsley can really make the Easy Antipasto Kabobs pop. Lemon zest or a scattering of shaved Parmesan adds Italian elegance and plenty of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded appetizer table, pair your kabobs with crusty slices of ciabatta or focaccia, bowls of marinated olives, or a crisp green salad. These kabobs love to be part of a bigger spread, but they’re satisfying solo, too—just add your favorite wine, bubbly water, or spritz!
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Easy Antipasto Kabobs on a large board with other Italian snacks for a modern “antipasto bar.” Stand them up in a vase or mason jar for easy picking at parties, or lay them in neat rows on a white platter for a colorful, mouthwatering display. For picnics, bundle kabobs in wax paper, or tuck a few onto each guest’s plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any kabobs left after your gathering (rare!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days. Lay parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Easy Antipasto Kabobs, since both the fresh mozzarella and vegetables tend to lose their lovely textures when thawed. For the best taste and appearance, enjoy them fresh or within a day or two of assembling.
Reheating
No reheating is needed—or advised! These kabobs are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, making them the ultimate in easy entertaining. If they’ve chilled a bit too long in the fridge, just let them rest on the counter for 20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Antipasto Kabobs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble your kabobs up to 24 hours before your event. Cover them tightly in the fridge to keep everything fresh, and add the olive oil and balsamic drizzle just before serving for best flavor and presentation.
What other ingredients can I add to Easy Antipasto Kabobs?
Get creative! Try adding cubes of provolone, marinated mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap in prosciutto for a different meaty twist. Pickled vegetables, grilled zucchini, and tiny pepperoncini all work beautifully, too.
Are Easy Antipasto Kabobs gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure your salami or pepperoni, and any marinated veggies or balsamic glaze, are certified gluten-free. The core kabob ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these a great safe option for sharing.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Of course! Metal skewers are reusable and sturdy. If you go this route, make sure they are small and cocktail-sized. For wooden skewers, soaking in water for 10 minutes can prevent any splinters.
How do I prevent the kabobs from getting soggy?
Pat marinated veggies, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel before assembling. This helps keep the kabobs crisp and prevents any watery buildup in your serving platter or storage container.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family with minimal effort but maximum flavor, give these Easy Antipasto Kabobs a try. They’re endlessly customizable, absolutely gorgeous, and a true crowd-pleaser from the very first bite!
Print
Easy Antipasto Kabobs Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 kabobs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Antipasto Kabobs are a colorful and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. They are quick to assemble and require no cooking, making them a hassle-free addition to any menu.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Ball Kabobs:
- 20 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
Cherry Tomato Kabobs:
- 20 cherry tomatoes
Olives Kabobs:
- 20 pitted black or green olives
Salami Kabobs:
- 20 slices salami or pepperoni (folded)
Artichoke Kabobs:
- 10 marinated artichoke heart quarters
Red Pepper Kabobs:
- 10 roasted red pepper strips (cut into chunks)
Basil Kabobs:
- 10 fresh basil leaves (torn in half)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Extras:
- 10 small wooden skewers
Instructions
- Thread Ingredients: On each skewer, thread one of each ingredient in order.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over kabobs.
- Finish: Optionally drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients like prosciutto or pickled vegetables.
- Great for parties, picnics, or as an easy appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
