Imagine the vibrant colors and zesty flavors of an Italian antipasto platter, perfectly condensed into a single, elegant bite. These Pickled Vegetable Antipasto Skewers are a feast for both the eyes and the palate, combining tangy pickled vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and savory cured meats into one irresistible appetizer. Perfect for entertaining guests or adding a touch of Mediterranean sophistication to your next gathering, these skewers transform simple ingredients into showstopping finger food that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
What makes these skewers truly special is the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The bright acidity of pickled vegetables cuts through the richness of the cheese and cured meats, creating a perfect symphony in each bite. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, preparing for holiday entertaining, or simply looking to elevate your appetizer game, these colorful skewers deliver maximum impact with minimal effort.
The beauty of these Pickled Vegetable Antipasto Skewers lies in their simplicity. While they may look like they took hours to prepare, they actually come together in minutes, requiring nothing more than a bit of assembly. The secret is in the quality of ingredients – vibrant pickled vegetables, tender mozzarella pearls, and premium cured meats create an appetizer that feels both rustic and refined. The pickling brine infuses the vegetables with a tangy flavor that brightens the entire skewer, making these bites absolutely addictive.
These skewers are not just delicious – they’re also incredibly adaptable. You can serve them as part of a larger antipasto spread, offer them as passed hors d’oeuvres at a cocktail party, or even pack them for a gourmet picnic. They’re substantial enough to satisfy hungry guests but light enough not to spoil appetites before the main course. Plus, they can be prepared several hours in advance and refrigerated until serving time, making them a host’s dream appetizer.
Pickled Vegetable Antipasto Skewers
Colorful, tangy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, these easy-to-assemble antipasto skewers feature pickled vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and savory cured meats for the perfect party appetizer.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pickled cherry peppers, drained and halved
- 1 cup pickled artichoke hearts, drained and quartered if large
- 1 cup pickled mushrooms, drained
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 oz salami, cut into small cubes
- 1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces and pickled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup pickled cucumber spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fresh basil leaves
- 24 wooden or bamboo skewers (6-inch length)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Quick Pickle Brine (if making your own pickled vegetables):
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
If making your own quick-pickled vegetables:
- Combine all brine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Place your chosen vegetables (cucumber spears, red onion pieces, mushrooms) in separate heat-proof containers.
- Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they’re completely submerged.
- Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Drain vegetables before using in the recipe.
For the antipasto skewers:
- Drain all pickled vegetables well and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
- Fold each piece of prosciutto into a small, accordion-style fold that can be easily skewered.
- Begin assembling skewers by threading ingredients in an appealing pattern, alternating colors and textures. For example: cherry tomato, folded prosciutto, mozzarella pearl, basil leaf, pickled cherry pepper, green olive, salami cube, pickled artichoke heart, and Kalamata olive.
- Arrange completed skewers on a serving platter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, and dried Italian herbs.
- Drizzle the oil mixture lightly over the skewers.
- Finish with freshly ground black pepper.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 hours ahead of time.
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize your skewers with your favorite antipasto ingredients. Other excellent additions include roasted red peppers, marinated mushrooms, pepperoncini, provolone cheese, or cubed mortadella.
- If you don’t have time to make your own pickled vegetables, store-bought varieties work perfectly in this recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the cured meats and add extra cheese and vegetables.
- If preparing in advance, wait until just before serving to add the olive oil drizzle to prevent the skewers from becoming soggy.
- These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Prosecco.
What makes these Pickled Vegetable Antipasto Skewers truly special is the way they transform simple ingredients into an elegant, party-worthy appetizer. The combination of tangy pickled vegetables, creamy cheese, and savory meats creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your guests impressed. The vibrant colors also make for a stunning presentation that requires minimal effort – exactly the kind of recipe every host needs in their repertoire.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have artichoke hearts? Substitute with pickled cauliflower florets. Prefer a stronger cheese? Try cubed aged provolone instead of mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a version that perfectly suits your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. You can even create a Mediterranean-inspired grazing board with these skewers as the centerpiece, surrounded by additional cheeses, olives, and crackers for a truly impressive spread.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or preparing appetizers for a holiday gathering, these Pickled Vegetable Antipasto Skewers deliver sophisticated flavor without hours of preparation. The bright tanginess of the pickled vegetables awakens the palate, making these skewers the perfect way to begin any meal. Your guests will be reaching for seconds before they’ve even finished their first skewer – so you might want to make a double batch!
Nutrition Information (per skewer):
85 calories,
6g fat,
2g saturated fat,
10mg cholesterol,
390mg sodium,
3g carbohydrates,
1g fiber,
1g sugar,
4g protein
