Ingredients
Scale
For the Skewers:
- 1 pint (about 24) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 oz small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
- 4-6 oz sliced salami or soppressata
- 1 jar (6-8 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved if large
- 1 jar (8 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives (or green olives)
- Fresh basil leaves (about 24 leaves)
- Optional: pepperoncini peppers
- Optional: cubed provolone or sharp provolone
For Serving:
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling (optional)
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain all marinated items (mozzarella, artichokes, olives, peppers) in a colander. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this prevents skewers from being oily. Cut artichokes and roasted peppers into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch). If using whole salami slices, fold each slice into quarters.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread ingredients onto 6-inch wooden skewers or long cocktail picks in your preferred order. A classic arrangement: cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, folded salami, mozzarella ball, marinated artichoke, olive, roasted red pepper piece. Repeat pattern if skewer length allows.
- Alternative Pattern: Try different arrangements for variety: mozzarella, basil, tomato, salami, olive, pepper, artichoke. The order doesn’t matter—use what looks appealing to you!
- Arrange on Platter: Place assembled skewers on a large serving platter in an attractive pattern—straight rows, circular arrangement, or scattered casually all work beautifully.
- Add Finishing Touches: Just before serving, drizzle skewers lightly with balsamic glaze if desired. You can also drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate covered for up to 4 hours before serving. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Pat all marinated ingredients dry to prevent oily skewers.
- Assemble skewers up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate covered.
- Use a variety of colors for most visually appealing presentation.
- If wooden skewers are too long, break or cut to desired length.
- For easier eating, don’t overload skewers—3-5 items per skewer is ideal.
- Customize with any Italian ingredients you love—there’s no wrong combination!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 465mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 24mg