Italian Antipasto Skewers (gluten free option)

Italian Antipasto skewers are my go-to handheld appetizer right now. Loaded with all your charcuterie board favorites, they make the perfect meatless snack with zero gluten and very little prep time.

Use this Italian Antipasto skewers recipe as a base and add other ingredients – meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies. The options are endless. I love finding recipes for quick-to-assemble, hassle-free appetizers. This friends, is one of those.

If you love gluten free recipes packed with veggies, Try my Tuscan tortellini soup (gluten-free) and gluten-free white bean soup recipes. Want more? here’s a roundup of 20 incredible pepper recipes.

WHAT IS ANTIPASTO?

Antipasto is a traditional Italian appetizer that serves as the first course of a meal. It typically includes a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and sometimes seafood or bread.

The name “antipasto” means “before the meal,” as it is designed to stimulate the appetite without being overly filling.

Its presentation is often laid out to make it a centerpiece. This recipe for antipasto skewers is a variation of the classic version.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GLUTEN FREE RECIPE

• Anytime snack: Antipasto skewers are perfect for a picnic, a party, holiday appetizer.
• Dietary inclusive and Allergy friendly: These are vegetarian and gluten-free. You can easily make a dairy-free option using dairy-free cheese.
• Crowd-pleaser: Seriously, watch them disappear.
• I hate dishes: This recipe just needs a pot and a prep board.

INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Gluten-free ravioli: Use your favorite brand of gluten-free ravioli, cooked and cooled. Cheese or spinach fillings work well for antipasto flavors. If gluten-free is not important, regular ravioli can be used in your antipasto skewers. Tortellini also makes a great choice.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes are my favorite. If unavailable, I go for grape tomatoes or sliced larger tomatoes cut into chunks.
• Olives: Any color is great! Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or marinated olives all work.
• Mozzarella balls: Use fresh mozzarella balls, like bocconcini or ciliegine. If these are unavailable, I cut a block of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. For a vegan option, I use plant-based mozzarella swaps.
• Arugula: Fresh arugula leaves bring a peppery kick to the Italian skewers. Sometimes, I use baby spinach or mixed greens instead of arugula.
• Balsamic glaze: You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or sugar if store-bought glaze isn’t available.

ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS TO TRY

• Add cured meats: Include thin slices of prosciutto, salami, or pepperoni.
• More marinated vegetables: Swap in marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, or pickled onions.
• Switch up the cheeses: Use different cheeses like sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or provolone.
• Incorporate grilled vegetables: Add grilled zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
• Drizzle with flavored oils: Try drizzling the skewers with flavored olive oils, like garlic-infused or chili oil.
• Add fruit: Skewer chunks of melon, grapes, or figs.

DIRECTIONS (STEP BY STEP)

Cook the gluten-free ravioli or tortellini following the instructions on the box. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.

Take 5-inch skewers and add 1 or 2 of each ingredient, alternating them so they’re not next to the same ones.

When all the ingredients are on the antipasto skewers, drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy!

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

• Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, choose the freshest tomatoes, mozzarella, and arugula you can find. Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes are key!
• Customize your skewers: Go ahead and swap out ingredients based on your taste preferences or what’s available. You can add deli meats like prosciutto or salami, roasted red peppers, or even marinated artichokes – SO good!
• Make ahead: Prepare the antipasto skewers in advance, but wait to drizzle the balsamic glaze until just before serving.
• Perfect your balsamic glaze: If you don’t have a store-bought balsamic glaze, reduce balsamic vinegar with some honey or sugar.

STORAGE AND MEAL PREPPING

If you have leftover antipasto skewers, remove the ingredients from the skewers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them in a covered container in the fridge, and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

For meal prep, prepare the ingredients (ravioli, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, etc.) and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the Italian skewers the night before or the morning of for an easy grab-and-go lunch or snack

I don’t recommend freezing the assembled Italian skewers, as the ingredients will lose their texture. However, you can freeze cooked ravioli separately and add it to the skewers once thawed.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THESE AHEAD OF TIME?

I love to assemble the antipasto skewers 24 hours in advance. I store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

HOW CAN I USE THE LEFTOVERS?

Remove the ingredients from the Italian skewers and store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, using them in salads, wraps, or as a snack.

CAN I SERVE THESE WARM?

Yes, you can lightly warm the skewers, but they’re usually served chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

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