Name: Antipasto Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 30 to 40 4-inch skewers; 6 ounces thin sliced salami (preferably Italian style, such as Genoa or soppressata); 15 ounces jarred artichoke hearts, in water, quartered; 16 ounces jarred sweet cherry peppers, drained, seeded, and halved; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; Pepperoncini, quantity as desired for garnish; Pitted olives (such as kalamata or green olives), quantity as desired for garnish; 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine (small mozzarella balls); Fresh basil leaves, quantity as desired; Fresh rosemary sprigs, for decoration; Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional); Italian dressing, for serving (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 24 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a festive presentation, this Antipasto Wreath Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a beautiful, edible wreath made with layers of Italian favorites like salami, fresh mozzarella, artichoke hearts, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all threaded onto skewers and arranged into a stunning ring. It’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering or celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white plate displays a festive ring made of multiple small skewers arranged in a circular shape. Each skewer has layers starting with green fresh basil leaves at the base, followed by shiny red cherry tomatoes, light cream mozzarella balls, and folded dark red slices of cured salami. Scattered among them are pale yellow artichoke hearts, green olives, black olives, bright yellow pepperoncini, and small sprigs of green rosemary adding texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with green herbs near the top right and a glass filled with dark red liquid at the bottom right. Two smaller white plates hold a few skewers and slices of bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for the Antipasto Wreath Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy mozzarella to the zesty pepperoncini, every bite bursts with authentic Italian flair.

30 to 40 4-inch skewers: These sturdy skewers are essential for holding all the ingredients neatly together and shaping the wreath.
6 ounces thin sliced salami: Offers a savory, slightly spicy flavor and a nice meaty texture; choose good-quality, thinly sliced salami for the best taste.
15 ounces jarred artichoke hearts, in water, quartered: Their tender, slightly tangy bite adds a lovely contrast and enhances the Mediterranean feel.
16 ounces jarred sweet cherry peppers, drained, seeded and halved: These bring a gentle sweetness and pop of lively red color to brighten the wreath.
8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Ciliegine: Small mozzarella balls that add creamy richness and a delicate milky flavor.
1 pint cherry tomatoes: Juicy and bursting with freshness, they complement the other ingredients perfectly.
Pepperoncini: Offers a mild heat and piquant flavor to cut through the richness of meats and cheese.
Pitted olives: Choose a variety you love—Kalamata or green olives bring briny, salty notes that elevate the dish.
Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant herbal brightness that lifts the entire wreath’s flavor profile.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: More for garnish; their piney aroma makes the presentation irresistibly festive.
Balsamic glaze, for serving (optional): A drizzle adds a touch of tangy sweetness and beautiful shine.
Italian dressing, for serving (optional): For those who love an extra layer of zesty flavor on the side.

How to Make Antipasto Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by draining and prepping the jarred ingredients—quarter the artichoke hearts and halve the cherry peppers after removing the seeds. Rinse and pat dry the pitted olives to remove any excess brine. This preps everything so you can easily assemble skewers without mess or delays.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the ingredients onto the 4-inch skewers in a beautiful, varying pattern to keep every bite exciting. A great combination is a piece of salami folded, followed by an artichoke quarter, a mozzarella ball, a cherry tomato, a cherry pepper half, an olive, and a pepperoncini. Don’t be afraid to mix the order for visual appeal and flavor balance.

Step 3: Form the Wreath Shape

Arrange the completed skewers upright on a large circular serving platter, forming a ring or wreath shape. This can be done by gently leaning each skewer against its neighbors, allowing the colors and textures to create an eye-catching display that resembles a traditional holiday wreath.

Step 4: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Scatter fresh basil leaves in between the skewers and tuck in rosemary sprigs around the edges. This adds a festive touch both visually and aromatically, infusing your appetizer with inviting Mediterranean scents.

How to Serve Antipasto Wreath Recipe

A white round plate is filled with three overlapping rows of thinly sliced salami, showing a mix of dark red and white marbling with a textured black pepper crust. Surrounding the plate are white bowls and clear glass bowls with different ingredients: at the top right, a large clear glass bowl full of small white mozzarella balls; below it, a jar of green olives with a white lid resting beside it; under the olives, a bunch of light wood toothpicks; bottom center, a clear glass bowl with shiny black olives; bottom left, a white bowl filled with small bright red and orange peppers; directly above that, a white bowl holding pale yellow marinated artichoke hearts; in the middle left, a white bowl full of red cherry tomatoes; and top left, a small clear glass bowl with yellow-green pickled peppers. Fresh green basil leaves and rosemary sprigs add touches of green around the bowls. The whole arrangement sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the wreath just before serving adds a lovely sheen and a hint of sweet acidity that complements the salty, creamy bites. Alternatively, serve with a small bowl of Italian dressing for dipping to introduce an optional tangy flavor layer.

Side Dishes

This antipasto wreath pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or grissini sticks to add crunch and a base for stacking bites. It also goes well alongside a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, allowing the wreath to remain the star of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the wreath on a wooden cutting board sprinkled lightly with sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance rustic charm. You can also serve it with small cheese knives and toothpicks nearby for guests who prefer to deconstruct and customize their snack portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, simply cover the wreath tightly with plastic wrap or transfer skewers to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and cheeses involved, freezing the Antipasto Wreath Recipe is not recommended. Freezing would affect the texture and quality of both the mozzarella and the fresh veggies, diminishing the flavor experience.

Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavors come alive again.

FAQs

Can I substitute any of the meats in the Antipasto Wreath Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other Italian cured meats like pepperoni, prosciutto, or capicola to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

Is this recipe suitable for gatherings with kids?

Yes, it’s quite kid-friendly! You might want to omit the spicier elements like pepperoncini and cherry peppers or serve those on the side so kids can customize their snacks.

How do I keep the skewers from falling apart when arranging the wreath?

Use sturdy skewers and gently lean each one against the next, making sure they’re snug. You can also arrange them around a circular bowl or plate to maintain shape until serving.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the skewers a few hours before and refrigerate. Add the fresh herbs and garnishes just before serving to keep everything looking fresh and vibrant.

Are there vegetarian options within this recipe?

Yes! You can easily skip the salami and replace it with marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or slices of grilled zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Antipasto Wreath Recipe enough for anyone wanting to wow guests or brighten up a special occasion with minimal fuss. It’s an all-in-one appetizer that brings beautiful colors, unforgettable flavors, and effortless elegance to your table. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite party tradition!