Name: Antipasto Wreath Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz mozzarella balls; Basil leaves (as needed); 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 14 oz artichoke hearts; Rosemary sprigs (for garnish); 6 oz spicy Genoa salami; 6 oz prosciutto salami; 8 oz green olives (Pitted Italian Castelvetrano olives, 1 jar); 8 oz pitted Kalamata olives (1 jar); 8 oz pepperoncini (8-16 oz jar)

If you love entertaining or just want to whip up something that looks stunning yet is super simple to assemble, you’re going to adore this Antipasto Wreath Recipe. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine a colorful, savory wreath made of all your favorite antipasto bite-sized goodies—mozzarella, salami, olives, artichokes, and so much more. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your signature appetizer.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Assembly: You don’t have to cook anything—just skewer and arrange.
Customizable Ingredients: Tailor it to your family’s favorites or what’s in your fridge.
Eye-Catching Presentation: It’s a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From holidays to casual get-togethers, it always steals the show.

A white round plate holds a festive wreath made of several layers arranged in a circle. The base layer has green spinach leaves and rosemary sprigs sticking out evenly all around. On top, there are small white mozzarella balls, red cherry tomatoes, yellow pepperoncini, and light-colored artichoke hearts scattered evenly. Rolled slices of red salami and pepperoni form small cones or curls, placed regularly around the wreath. Green and black olives are tucked between the other ingredients. The whole arrangement sits on a white marbled surface with some holiday decorations and a red striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Antipasto Wreath, antipasto appetizer, savory snack, party appetizer, veggie and cheese platter

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons I find the Antipasto Wreath Recipe so charming is how well the ingredients complement each other. The creamy mozzarella pairs perfectly with the salty, spicy salami and the briny olives, while the basil leaves add a fresh pop of flavor. When shopping, I recommend picking the freshest mozzarella balls and the most vibrant cherry tomatoes you can find—it really makes a difference visually and taste-wise.

Flat lay of fresh white mozzarella balls, bright green basil leaves, a handful of glossy red cherry tomatoes, thin slices of spicy Genoa salami, delicate folds of prosciutto salami, tender artichoke hearts, vibrant green Castelvetrano olives, deep purple Kalamata olives, and small pale yellow pepperoncini peppers, with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary arranged symmetrically in simple white ceramic bowls and scattered naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Antipasto Wreath, antipasto appetizer, savory snack, party appetizer, veggie and cheese platter

Mozzarella balls: Look for fresh, small mozzarella pearls; they’re perfect for skewering and have a delicate flavor.
Basil leaves: Fresh is a must here—they add that unmistakable herbal brightness.
Cherry tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes for a juicy burst on the skewer.
Spicy Genoa salami: Adds a wonderful kick to balance creamy cheese.
Prosciutto salami: The texture and mild saltiness here bring depth.
Artichoke hearts: Marinated varieties add tang and richness.
Green olives (Castelvetrano): These are buttery and mild, a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Kalamata olives: Their bold flavor contrasts deliciously with milder ingredients.
Pepperoncini: Offers a faint heat and zesty crunch.
Rosemary sprigs: Used for garnish and aroma—definitely don’t skip these!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to switch things up depending on the season or who I’m serving. One of the best things about the Antipasto Wreath Recipe is how adaptable it is, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Cheese swap: Sometimes I like to add cubes of parmesan or provolone alongside mozzarella for variety and a richer cheese selection.
Different cured meats: I’ve tried pancetta, soppressata, or even a dry cured pepperoni, and each brings a unique flavor profile.
Veggie additions: Marinated mushrooms, stuffed peppers, or pickled vegetables make for excellent extras on the skewers.
Mild or spicy: Depending on your mood or guests, you can skip the spicy salami or add extra pepperoncini for heat.

How to Make Antipasto Wreath Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your basil leaves and cherry tomatoes, then draining the artichoke hearts. If your olives are pitted, even better—makes the skewering easier. I like to lay everything out on the counter so I can easily grab what I need as I assemble. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready is the key to smooth sailing in this recipe.

Step 2: Build Your Skewers

Using 4-inch skewers, you’ll want to layer flavors thoughtfully. I usually start with a mozzarella ball, add a fresh basil leaf, thread on an olive or artichoke heart, toss on a cherry tomato, and finally finish with a piece of Genoa or prosciutto salami folded neatly. The variety on each skewer is what makes the wreath pop visually and flavor-wise. Mix and match ingredients to keep things exciting!

Step 3: Arrange Your Wreath

Grab a large circular serving platter or a big cutting board. Place your skewer bites around in a wreath shape, layering them close enough so the wreath looks full and lush. This is where you get to show a little creativity. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the skewers to add a gorgeous green touch and a wonderful aroma—trust me, it really brings this presentation to life.

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Pro Tips for Making Antipasto Wreath Recipe

Skewer Strength: Use sturdy 4-inch skewers so they don’t bend under the weight of ingredients.
Layering for Balance: Try to balance soft and firm items on each skewer to avoid anything sliding off.
Freshness Matters: Always use fresh basil leaves and firm tomatoes to keep the wreath vibrant and appetizing.
Timing the Assembly: Assemble close to serving time so the basil doesn’t wilt and the cheese stays fresh.

How to Serve Antipasto Wreath Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with rosemary sprigs tucked into the wreath because their piney scent elevates the entire presentation. Sometimes, if it’s a holiday or special event, I’ll sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the skewer tops right before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

This antipasto wreath stands on its own but pairs beautifully with a crusty Italian bread and a simple green salad. For parties, I love serving it alongside a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist to keep things refreshing and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions like Christmas or Easter, I’ve shaped the wreath on a festive platter lined with colorful napkins underneath for extra holiday cheer. You can also use edible flowers or tiny decorative flags to add personality—your guests will be amazed at your presentation skills, and it makes a great conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover skewers (which I doubt—they disappear fast!), wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually blend nicely overnight, but the basil can get a bit wilted if stored too long.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because fresh ingredients like basil and mozzarella don’t freeze well and lose their texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated briefly.

Reheating

Since this is a cold antipasto, no reheating is needed. Just take leftovers out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow flavors to come through.

FAQs

Can I make the Antipasto Wreath Recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, but it’s best to arrange the wreath closer to serving time to keep basil leaves fresh and prevent mozzarella from drying out.
What can I substitute if I don’t like olives or pepperoncini?

No problem! You can swap olives with marinated mushrooms or pickled peppers, and replace pepperoncini with mild roasted red peppers. The key is to keep a balance of briny, savory, and fresh flavors.
How should I serve the Antipasto Wreath Recipe at a party?

Place the wreath on a large platter in the center of the table with toothpicks or skewers. Guests can easily pick off bites, making it a perfect finger food option that’s both delicious and visually impressive.
Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! I often switch out Genoa or prosciutto for pancetta or soppressata depending on what I have. Just use your favorite cured meats for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Antipasto Wreath Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that makes entertaining feel effortless and fun. I love how it brings folks together around the table, sharing bites, stories, and laughter. If you want a recipe that’s both show-stopping and foolproof, give this one a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly those colorful skewers disappear. I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to make and share this wreath magic with family and friends!