Ingredients
Scale
- 16 wooden or metal skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 16 cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and a vibrant pop of color.
- 16 mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Creamy and mild, they pair perfectly with the tangy elements.
- 16 slices turkey or beef salami: Folded into quarters for easy skewering. You can also use prosciutto or capicola for a different flavor profile.
- 16 marinated artichoke hearts: Drained and halved for easier handling.
- 16 olives (green or black): Briny and bold, choose your favorite variety.
- 16 basil leaves: Fresh and fragrant for a burst of herbal goodness.
- 16 small pieces of roasted red bell peppers: Sweet and smoky for balance.
- Optional: 16 tortellini (cooked and cooled), for a heartier twist.
- Optional garnish: Italian seasoning, cracked black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil for drizzling.
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients:
- Drain the marinated artichokes and olives to remove excess oil or brine.
- Slice roasted red peppers into small, manageable pieces—these add sweetness and a vibrant color to your skewers.
- Fold the salami slices into quarters for a neat, layered look.
- Rinse and pat dry the basil leaves to ensure they don’t wilt when placed on the skewers.
- If you’re using tortellini, make sure it’s cooked, cooled, and ready to go.
2. Set Up Your Workspace:
- Lay out all the ingredients in bowls or on a large platter. This assembly-line setup makes the process smoother and faster, especially when you’re making a large batch.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- Start with a cherry tomato as the base. This will act as a colorful, juicy starting point for your skewer.
- Add a mozzarella ball next. The soft, mild flavor of the mozzarella balances out the tanginess of the olives and the richness of the salami.
- Fold a slice of salami into quarters and thread it onto the skewer. The salami adds a savory, salty bite.
- Add an artichoke heart, followed by an olive. The artichoke provides earthiness, while the olive gives a briny punch.
- Add a basil leaf for fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green.
- Thread a piece of roasted red pepper for some smoky sweetness.
- Repeat until all skewers are assembled, alternating ingredients to ensure a nice balance of flavors and colors.
4. Presentation Matters:
- Arrange the skewers on a platter, fanning them out like rays for a stunning display. You can also stand the skewers upright in a jar or vase for a visually striking centerpiece.
- Optional: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning or freshly cracked black pepper for extra flair.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. If refrigerating, cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and prevent the basil leaves from wilting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 7g