Save A vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and briny olives, all threaded onto skewers for easy serving.
I enjoy making these skewers because they bring vibrant colors and fresh flavors that my guests always love.
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 This appetizer always brings my family together before dinner as we enjoy the fresh tastes and colors.
Notes
For extra flavor add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) to the skewers. Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a richer taste.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, colander, mixing bowl, wooden appetizer skewers
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (tortellini), Milk (cheese in tortellini, 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.
Save These skewers make a delightful and visually appealing start to any meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Choose a quality brand for the best flavor.
- → How should I cook the tortellini?
Boil tortellini according to package instructions until tender, then rinse under cold water to cool before assembling.
- → Can these skewers be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) can be added to the skewers for creaminess and richness.
- → Are these skewers suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this combination is vegetarian-friendly, featuring cheese tortellini, pesto, vegetables, and olives.