Save to Pinterest A vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and briny olives, all threaded onto skewers for easy serving.
This became an instant favorite at our family parties and always impresses guests with its fresh flavors.
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
- Cook tortellini:
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Toss with pesto:
- In a medium bowl, gently toss the cooled tortellini with 2 tablespoons of pesto until evenly coated.
- Assemble skewers:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining pesto over the skewers just before serving, if desired.
Save to Pinterest These skewers are always a hit at our family gatherings, bringing everyone together over delicious bites.
Preparation Tips
Make sure to rinse the tortellini thoroughly after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool them quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these skewers with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio for an elegant appetizer experience.
Storage
Can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
Save to Pinterest 
This recipe is quick to assemble and guaranteed to brighten any appetizer spread.
Recipe Q&A
- → How should the tortellini be prepared for skewering?
Cook tortellini according to package directions, then rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking before tossing with pesto.
- → Can I substitute the pesto used on the skewers?
Yes, sun-dried tomato pesto adds a deeper flavor, or you may use a nut-free pesto to accommodate allergies.
- → What is the best order to assemble the skewers?
Thread cherry tomato, basil leaf, pesto-coated tortellini, green olive, another tortellini, and black olive in any preferred sequence.
- → How long can the skewers be prepared in advance?
They can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- → What beverage pairs well with these skewers?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh and herbal flavors nicely.
- → Are there common allergens to be aware of?
The tortellini contains wheat and cheese, and traditional pesto includes pine nuts, so check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.