Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers are a fresh, no-cook appetizer that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. These skewers combine the tangy flavor of marinated artichoke hearts, the briny taste of mixed olives, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the creamy texture of mozzarella balls. Perfect for entertaining, these easy-to-make skewers are ideal for holiday parties, summer picnics, or casual gatherings. They are visually appealing and full of flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser every time.

In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to making these delicious skewers, offer tips and variations to customize the recipe, and provide pairing suggestions to complete your Mediterranean appetizer spread.

Why You’ll Love Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers

1. Quick and No-Cook Recipe

These skewers require no cooking, making them a fuss-free option for entertaining. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a stunning appetizer ready in minutes.

2. Bursting with Fresh Flavors

The combination of marinated artichoke hearts, creamy mozzarella, and briny olives delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. The cherry tomatoes and fresh basil add a touch of freshness that balances the rich, savory ingredients.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner party or a casual backyard gathering, these skewers are versatile and easy to serve. They work well as part of a charcuterie board, a stand-alone appetizer, or even as a snack.

4. Beautiful Presentation

These colorful skewers are visually appealing, with a mix of vibrant red, green, and creamy white hues. They make a statement on any appetizer table and are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients for Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers

Here’s what you’ll need to make 12 skewers:

  • 12 marinated artichoke hearts: Drain them well to remove excess liquid. The artichokes add a tangy, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • 12 pitted olives: Use a mix of green and black olives for a variety of flavors and colors. The olives bring a briny, salty taste that enhances the skewers.
  • 12 cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
  • 12 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): Creamy mozzarella balances the tangy and salty flavors of the artichokes and olives.
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note and a touch of green color.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For drizzling over the skewers, adding richness and flavor.
  • 1/2 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
  • 12 small skewers or toothpicks: For easy serving and a neat presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Drain the marinated artichoke hearts: Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess marinade.
  2. Gather the other ingredients: Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Set out the mozzarella balls and olives.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

  1. Thread the ingredients onto each skewer: Start with a cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf (if using), a mozzarella ball, an olive, and a marinated artichoke heart. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
  2. Arrange on a platter: Lay the skewers neatly on a serving platter, making sure they’re easy for guests to grab.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

  1. Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the skewers to add richness and bring the flavors together.
  2. Add balsamic glaze (optional): For a touch of sweetness and acidity, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the skewers.
  3. Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle a small amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the top for added flavor.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Serve immediately: These skewers are best enjoyed fresh. They can be served as a stand-alone appetizer or alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Tips for Perfect Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients

Since this recipe is simple and no-cook, the quality of the ingredients matters. Use high-quality marinated artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.

2. Pat the Artichokes Dry

Removing excess liquid from the marinated artichoke hearts ensures that the skewers don’t become soggy and that the flavors are well-balanced.

3. Customize the Ingredients

Feel free to mix and match different types of olives, add roasted red peppers, or use a variety of cheeses to customize the skewers to your taste.

4. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature

These skewers can be served chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. If serving outdoors, keep them cool to maintain freshness.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 skewer):

  • Calories: 50
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 120mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations of Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers

This recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Here are some variations to try:

1. Make It Vegan

Omit the mozzarella balls and replace them with marinated tofu cubes or grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper. This creates a flavorful, vegan-friendly appetizer.

2. Add Roasted Red Peppers

Thread a piece of roasted red pepper onto each skewer for a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the marinated artichokes and olives.

3. Include Prosciutto for a Meaty Option

For a non-vegetarian twist, add a folded slice of prosciutto to each skewer. The salty, savory flavor of the prosciutto pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

4. Try Different Cheeses

Swap the mozzarella for feta, goat cheese, or aged provolone for a different flavor experience. Each cheese adds a unique twist to the skewer.

5. Add a Crunch with Nuts

Sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios over the skewers for added texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the Mediterranean theme.

Pairing Suggestions

These Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers pair well with a variety of drinks and dishes:

  • Serve with Wine: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the tangy and briny flavors. For a red wine option, choose a light-bodied wine like Pinot Noir.
  • Include on a Mezze Platter: Add these skewers to a larger mezze platter with hummus, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, and pita bread for a complete Mediterranean spread.
  • Pair with Sparkling Water or Lemonade: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water infused with lemon and fresh herbs.
  • Serve with Fresh Bread: Offer crusty bread or breadsticks on the side to soak up the olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Marinated Artichoke and Olive Skewers are a simple yet flavorful appetizer that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. With tangy artichokes, briny olives, creamy mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes, these skewers are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these easy-to-make skewers will be a hit.

Try these skewers at your next event and enjoy the vibrant, refreshing flavors that are sure to impress your guests!