If you are looking for a fun, fresh, and absolutely delicious appetizer to wow your guests, this Tortellini Skewers Recipe is the perfect choice. It combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory salami, and creamy mozzarella, all marinated in zesty Italian dressing for a bite full of flavor, color, and texture. These skewers are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also elegantly impressive, making them an ideal crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this Tortellini Skewers Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever entertained without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this Tortellini Skewers Recipe brings its own unique charm to the dish. Every element—from the pasta to the meat and cheese—works together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- 10 ounce package cheese tortellini: The star of the show, these little pasta pillows offer a creamy, cheesy center that soaks up the Italian dressing beautifully.
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweet juiciness, they add vibrant color and freshness that brightens every bite.
- 5 ounces salami: Adds a savory, slightly spicy kick with a satisfying chew, perfectly complementing the mild cheese and tomatoes.
- 1 cup Italian dressing: The flavor-packed magic that ties all the ingredients together with its tangy, herby goodness.
- 8 ounces pearl or cherry sized fresh mozzarella: Creamy and mild, this cheese rounds out the skewer with smooth texture and subtle richness.
How to Make Tortellini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by preparing the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling them for just a few minutes until they are tender yet firm to the bite. Cooking them perfectly is crucial because these little pasta pillows are the foundation of the whole dish.
Step 2: Toss Tortellini in Dressing
Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse under cold water to cool them quickly and stop the cooking process. Transfer them to a large Tupperware container and pour in half a cup of Italian dressing. Toss gently to coat every piece in flavorful goodness while keeping the pasta intact.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the cherry tomatoes, folded salami slices, and fresh mozzarella cheese to the container with the tortellini, or use a second container if you need more space. Drizzle with the remaining Italian dressing and cover tightly. Refrigerate this flavorful mixture for at least an hour, or even better, overnight, to let everything marinate and the flavors deepen beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
When you’re ready to serve, thread the ingredients onto skewers, starting with one tortellini, followed by a cherry tomato, a folded slice of salami, and a mozzarella pearl. Repeat this pattern, making sure each skewer has a balanced mix, until you run out of ingredients. Chill the skewers until serving or serve them immediately for a fresh, colorful presentation.
How to Serve Tortellini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair and freshness, sprinkle the skewers with chopped fresh basil or a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also bring a sweet-tart contrast that takes these Tortellini Skewers to another level.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine as an appetizer, but they pair wonderfully with crisp, leafy salads or crunchy garlic bread to make a fuller meal. A chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the bright Italian flavors, making your gathering feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the skewers standing upright in a decorative glass or lay them in neat rows on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh herb sprigs. You can even serve them in small individual cups with a bit of extra dressing at the bottom for dipping—perfect for mingling parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your event, simply place any leftover tortellini mixture in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and remains delicious chilled or at room temperature.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing these skewers is not recommended. The texture of the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes can become unpleasant upon thawing, so it’s best to freeze only the cooked, dressed tortellini if needed.
Reheating
If you have leftover tortellini without the fresh ingredients, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly just until warm. Avoid overheating to maintain the pasta’s tender texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this Tortellini Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini works wonderfully for its size and flavor, you can experiment with other small stuffed pastas or bite-sized shapes like mini ravioli—just be sure they fit well on the skewers.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, simply omit the salami and add extra veggies such as olives, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts. For vegan guests, swap the cheese tortellini and mozzarella for plant-based alternatives and use a vegan Italian dressing.
How long do I need to marinate the ingredients?
The flavors really shine if you let the tortellini, salami, tomatoes, and mozzarella sit in the dressing for at least an hour. For the best taste, overnight marinating is ideal but not required if you’re short on time.
Can I assemble the skewers ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours before your event and keep the skewers covered in the fridge. Just know that the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes might release a bit of moisture, so serve them within the same day for the best texture.
What kind of skewers work best?
Wooden or bamboo skewers are great for this recipe because they are sturdy and add a natural look. If serving to kids or at a party with safety in mind, consider shorter skewers or decorative picks.
Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Skewers Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that never fails to bring people together around the table. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and beautifully versatile. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight appetizer or aiming to impress at your next party, these skewers will earn a top spot on your list. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds!”
Print
Tortellini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes plus marinating time (at least 1 hour recommended)
- Yield: 30 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling and No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Tortellini Skewers are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Combining tender cheese tortellini, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory salami, and fresh mozzarella, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing, these skewers offer a burst of flavors in every bite. Prepared with minimal cooking and served cold or at room temperature, they are both convenient and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounce package cheese tortellini
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 5 ounces salami
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 8 ounces pearl or cherry sized fresh mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually boiling them until tender. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Dress Tortellini: Transfer the cooled tortellini to a large Tupperware container. Add ½ cup of Italian dressing to the tortellini and toss well to coat evenly, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Add Additional Ingredients: If there is enough room in the same container, add the cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella cheese. If not, place these ingredients in a separate container. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup of Italian dressing over them, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour up to overnight to marinate.
- Assemble Skewers: To assemble the skewers, thread onto each skewer one tortellini, one cherry tomato, one folded piece of salami, and one piece of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this pattern until you run out of ingredients.
- Serve or Store: Cover the assembled skewers and refrigerate until ready to serve or serve them immediately as a tasty, handheld appetizer.
Notes
- Use pearl or cherry sized mozzarella for easy skewering and balanced flavor.
- Letting the ingredients marinate helps meld the flavors of the dressing, salami, and tortellini.
- You can substitute salami with another cured meat like pepperoni or prosciutto if desired.
- These skewers are best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prepare ahead of time for convenient party prep and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.
