An ultimate finger food perfect for parties and get-togethers: Tortellini Skewers. With just five simple ingredients these appetizers are easy to prep ahead—marinate, refrigerate, and serve straight from the fridge when guests arrive.
How to Make Tortellini Skewers
This is a perfect recipe for busy entertaining seasons—holidays, backyard barbecues, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. The concept is simple: marinated tortellini paired with cherry tomatoes, salami, and fresh mozzarella, threaded onto skewers for an attractive, bite-sized appetizer.
The flavor draws from classic pasta salads and antipasto platters. Once the cooked tortellini is tossed with Italian dressing and allowed to rest, the dressing keeps the pasta moist and infuses the skewers with extra flavor. Best of all, they can be made hours or even a day ahead, so party day is stress-free.
Ingredients
- 10 oz package cheese tortellini — use your favorite variety
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes — small salad tomatoes work well
- 5 oz salami — plain Italian salami is mild and kid-friendly; pick a spicier option if you prefer
- 1 cup Italian dressing — store-bought or homemade
- 8 oz pearl or cherry-sized fresh mozzarella — or cube a larger mozzarella if needed
See the instructions below for full details and timing.
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions, usually about 3 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the tortellini with cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer to a large container.
- Add ½ cup of the Italian dressing to the tortellini and toss to coat.
- If there is room, add the cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella to the same container. If not, use a second container. Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to let the flavors meld.
- To assemble, thread one tortellini, one cherry tomato, a folded piece of salami, and one mozzarella pearl onto each skewer. Repeat until ingredients are used up.
- Return finished skewers to the container and refrigerate until ready to serve, or arrange on a platter immediately.
Tips & Notes
- If one ingredient runs out while assembling skewers, continue using the remaining items—skewers still taste great with just a few components.
- Customize the recipe: swap in flavored tortellini (pesto or spinach), choose a spicier salami, or use a vinaigrette you prefer.
- Make ahead: preparing the skewers or at least marinating the components the day before saves time and improves flavor.
Suggested Serving: Arrange skewers on a large platter with fresh basil or a few extra tomato halves for color. Offer extra dressing or a small bowl of pesto for dipping if desired.
Tortellini Skewers
The ultimate finger food for any gathering—simple ingredients, easy prep, and great flavor. Marinate ahead for convenience and best results.
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
- Prepare tortellini according to package directions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and transfer to a large container. Add ½ cup Italian dressing and toss.
- Add cherry tomatoes, salami, and mozzarella if there is room; otherwise use a second container. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Assemble skewers with one tortellini, one tomato, folded salami, and one mozzarella. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Feel free to mix and match ingredients as needed. Cheese or salami often run out first—keep assembling with remaining items for variety.
Nutrition Information (per serving: 4 skewers)
- Calories: 278
- Total Fat: 15 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
- Carbohydrates: 26 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 8 g)
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 763 mg
Nutritional data is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and portions.