Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella

Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella. A fun Italian appetizer for your next gathering!

So simple to make, all you need to do is throw together the marinade. A combination of olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic and a crushed red pepper. Pop in the cute little mozzarella balls and let them marinate overnight. Everything else can be purchased at your favorite deli. My version uses thick slices of salami, olives and pickled cherry peppers. Threading these classic ingredients onto skewers transforms them into a colorful, fun to eat appetizer.

Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella are also easy to make ahead. This means they’re perfect for entertaining at home or toting to a remote gathering.

I served these skewers with my Prosciutto, Fig and Caramelized Onion Pizza at an Italian meal recently. This communal feast included delicious courses supplied by friends. You have to love when friends show up with Cesar salad, Beef Bolognese, garlic cheese bread and panna cotta with fresh raspberries!

Options Galore!

Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella are almost more of an inspiration, than a specific recipe. Like many recipes, this one is very flexible. You can add fresh or other marinated veggies, different meats or additional cheeses. Whatever your heart desires. To provide some additional ideas, here are a few links you can explore.

• Marinated Zucchini and Tortellini – a delicious vegetarian option

• Marinated Mushrooms and Artichoke Hearts a classic antipasto combo with prosciutto, thin sliced salami and other goodies.

• Roasted Red Peppers – these include tortellini and thin sliced salami

• Caprese style features cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves and a balsamic drizzle

Adding Marinated Tortellini

When I make these in the future (which I will certainly do) I plan to add cheese tortellini. This would help balance out the zingy olives and cherry peppers. If you decide to go this route, here’s what I’d suggest:

Start by cooking the tortellini according to package directions. Then drain and marinate with one of the options below while they are still warm. I suggest marinating at room temperature for 30 minutes before assembling the skewers.

• use some of the olive oil marinade after you’ve finished marinating the mozzarella balls

• toss with Italian dressing

• use pesto thinned with a little extra olive oil

Assembly Tips

• If you can’t find short skewers you can do what I did. Buy the standard skewers and snip them down to size with a wire cutter!

• During the assembly process things can get a little messy. I suggest constructing them over the sink. A large cutting board or sheet pan would work well too.

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