Description
A vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring tortellini, cured meats, and fresh vegetables drizzled with a homemade herbaceous basil vinaigrette.
Ingredients
20 long wooden skewers
1 16 ounce package cheese tortellini
40 large olives Castelvetranos or kalamata
40 plump cherry tomatoes
40 thin slices beef pepperoni
40 thin slices turkey ham
20 baby mozzarella balls
20 cubes sharp provolone cheese
40 pieces basil, torn
20 pieces chopped artichoke hearts
2 roasted red peppers seeds removed, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup (113ml) olive oil
3 Tablespoons (42ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil
2 Tablespoons (28ml) red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon (18ml) honey
2 cloves fresh garlic mined
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook cheese tortellini according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water. While the tortellini cooks, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, red wine vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and adjust seasonings.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini and mini mozzarella balls with about 1/3 cup of the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours.
To assemble the skewers, thread the dressed tortellini, olives, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni slices, turkey ham slices, provolone cubes, chopped artichoke hearts, torn basil pieces, and chopped roasted red peppers onto the wooden skewers.
Arrange the assembled skewers on a platter and drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
Notes
Rinse Well: Rinsing the tortellini with cold water is essential. It prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and keeps it cool, which is important for the structural integrity of the skewers.
Don’t Over-Marinate: While the tortellini can chill for up to 4 hours, avoid going much longer, as the dressing may eventually cause the pasta to soften too much.
Uniformity: When chopping your roasted red peppers and provolone, try to keep the pieces roughly the same size as the mozzarella balls. This makes the skewers easier to eat and ensures a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian