Marinated Antipasto Skewers with Bowtie Pasta -

These marinated antipasto skewers are easy to make, tangy, savory, and party-ready — perfect for easy appetizers and party finger-foods.

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Bowtie pasta skewers with olives and cheese on wooden serving platters.

Need a salami appetizer for your next party?

Try this quick and simple marinated antipasto skewers with bowtie pasta!

These cold meat and cheese appetizer skewers are the perfect bite for party guests, and they’re so easy to make.

You can use these appetizer bites for charcuterie skewers, party skewers, and crowd-pleasing appetizer snacks.

Guests will devour them, and you’ll want to make them again and again!

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Easy to assemble. Simple steps, no cooking beyond boiling pasta.
Perfect for parties. Skewers are grab-and-go, mess-free, and great for entertaining.
Make-ahead friendly. Ideal for prepping in advance and chilling until serving time.
Visually impressive. The folded salami and bowtie pasta create a polished antipasto look.
Flavor-packed. Every bite balances savory, tangy, creamy, and salty notes.
Customizable. Easy to swap ingredients to fit what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Antipasto Skewers

Ingredients to make marinated antipasto skewers with bowtie pasta,

Bowtie Pasta – Bowtie pasta brings structure and substance to these skewers, turning a classic antipasto bite into something more filling and satisfying. Its ridged, pinched shape holds seasoning well and adds visual interest when skewered vertically.
Olive Oil – Olive oil adds richness and prevents the pasta from drying out while it chills. It also helps bind the seasonings to the pasta without making it greasy.
Italian Seasoning – This herb blend adds familiar Mediterranean notes that pair naturally with cured meats, olives, and cheese. It enhances flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Garlic-Stuffed Olives – Garlic-stuffed olives add a bold, briny punch with a hint of sharp garlic flavor. They bring moisture and depth to each bite.
Salami – Salami provides savory richness and visual appeal when folded into a layered shape. Its cured flavor is a classic antipasto staple.
White Cheddar Cheese – White cheddar adds creaminess and a mild sharpness that contrasts beautifully with salty, savory ingredients. Its firm texture also makes it ideal for skewering.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Cube white cheddar cheese on a green plastic cutting board.

A bowl of bowtie pasta with Italian seasoning and olive oil marinade.

Boil 16 bowtie pasta according to the package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, cut 8 oz of white cheddar cheese into 16 bite-sized cubes.

Once the bowtie pasta has cooked, drain, rinse, and add to a small mixing bowl along with 1 teaspoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Mix well and chill for at least 20 minutes.

Once chilled, assemble the skewers using 4–6 inch appetizer skewers or sturdy toothpicks. Spear one bowtie pasta through the center, coming down from the top vertically. Add one garlic-stuffed olive (you’ll need 16 total).

Fold one piece of salami in half, then in half again, forming a triangle with a rounded bottom. Skewer the salami triangle through the center, with the curved side facing forward.

Finally, add one cube of cheese to the bottom of the skewer to act as the base.

Repeat until all ingredients are used. You should have 16 skewers.

Serve immediately, or cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

Antipasto skewers on two stacked mini charcuterie boards.

Recipe Tips and Variations

A tray of antipasto skewers with bowtie pasta, olives, cheese, and salami.

Tips and Tricks

Salt the pasta water. This ensures the bowties are seasoned from the inside out.
Rinse the pasta after cooking. This stops the cooking process and keeps the noodles firm.
Chill the pasta before assembling. This helps the skewers hold their shape better.

Variations

Cheese swaps: Try provolone, Colby Jack, Havarti, or mozzarella pearls cut in half.
Meat options: Pepperoni, soppressata, or prosciutto (folded gently) work well in place of salami.
Olive alternatives: Use marinated olives, roasted red peppers, or pepperoncini slices.
Add veggies: Cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or marinated mushrooms add color and freshness.
Extra flavor: Drizzle assembled skewers lightly with Italian dressing just before serving.

Close-up of antipasto skewers on a long wood serving platter.

Serve These With

These marinated antipasto skewers pair perfectly with other easy appetizers like:

Mini sandwiches on stacked charcuterie boards with thyme sprigs shaped into bunny ears.

Salami roses with basil leaves on mini charcuterie boards.

FAQs

Appetizer skewers on a wooden serving tray, standing, and lying on their sides.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can these sit out at a party?

They’re best served chilled or slightly cool. Don’t leave them out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.

What size skewers should I use?

4–6 inch appetizer skewers or sturdy toothpicks work best for balance and presentation.