Save A vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and briny olives, all threaded onto skewers for easy serving.
This appetizer was an instant hit at my last family BBQ, everyone loved the fresh flavors and simple presentation.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Cheese: 24 cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- Pesto: 4 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Vegetables: 12 cherry tomatoes, 12 fresh basil leaves
- Olives: 12 pitted green olives, 12 pitted black olives
- For Assembly: 12 wooden appetizer skewers (6-inch)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the cooled tortellini with 2 tablespoons of pesto until evenly coated.
- Step 3:
- To assemble each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (fold if large), one pesto-coated tortellini, one green olive, one more tortellini, and one black olive in any order you like.
- Step 4:
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining pesto over the skewers just before serving, if desired.
Save Making these skewers has become a fun family tradition at holiday gatherings, with everyone helping to assemble and enjoy.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, colander, mixing bowl, wooden appetizer skewers
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortellini), Milk (cheese in tortellini and pesto if made with cheese), Tree nuts (traditional pesto contains pine nuts). Check pesto and tortellini labels for specific allergens or substitute a nut-free pesto if needed.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (1 skewer): Calories 95, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 3 g
Save These appetizer skewers are a quick and impressive starter that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for this dish?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time, though homemade pesto adds a fresher taste.
- → What type of tortellini is best for skewers?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini hold up well and provide a tender texture suitable for skewering.
- → How should the tortellini be prepared before assembly?
Cook according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cold water to cool before tossing with pesto.
- → Can I prepare skewers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- → Are there suggested pairings with these skewers?
They pair nicely with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio, enhancing the fresh Italian flavors.
- → What variations can I try for extra flavor?
Add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or use sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer taste profile.