Picnic Skewers Recipe

These Picnic Skewers are very adaptable. If you don’t love mozzarella cheese, you can sub in cubed cheddar, pepper jack, or, well, you get the point! Not fan of olives? Leave them out. Don’t like basil? Use baby greens instead. The options are endless. If you’re serving a large crowd, feel free to double this recipe. Feeding a smaller crowd? Halve the recipe!

• Prep: 20 mins
• Cook: 10 mins
• Total: 30 mins 
• Serve: 3-4 people ( 20 skewers)

Ingredients 

• 20 long wooden skewers 
• (1) 9 ounce package cheese tortellini 
• 1/2 cup zesty Italian salad dressing 
• 1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce (optional, but it adds a nice kick) 
• 40 olives (I used Kalamata but any kind you enjoy will work) 
• 40 grape tomatoes 
• 40 thin slices Genoa salami 
• 20 baby mozzarella balls 
• 40 pieces basil, torn 
• 20 pieces chopped artichoke hearts

Instructions 

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain and quickly rinse in cold water. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the tortellini with salad dressing and hot sauce, seal the bag, and turn it around a few times to coat; refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours. 
2. When ready to assemble, drain and discard any remaining marinade. 
3. For each skewer, I threaded an olive, tomato, basil, tortellini, basil, folded salami slice, mozzarella ball, tortellini, basil, folded salami piece, artichoke heart, tomato, olive. You can switch up the arrangement if you like, but I find this order is visually appealing and delicious. 

Notes:  Double recipe as needed. Recipe may also be cut in half.