Tortellini Pesto Olive Skewers

Featured in: Orbit Fuel

These skewers combine tender cheese tortellini coated in fresh basil pesto with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a mix of green and black olives. Perfectly threaded for easy serving, they deliver a burst of Italian-inspired flavors in every bite. Simple to prepare and assemble, these colorful skewers make a lively crowd-pleaser or a stylish starter for any gathering.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:36:00 GMT
Appetizer Skewers: colorful tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and olives drizzled with aromatic pesto, ready to serve. Save It
Appetizer Skewers: colorful tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and olives drizzled with aromatic pesto, ready to serve. | zetluna.com

A vibrant and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring tender tortellini, aromatic pesto, and briny olives, all threaded onto skewers for easy serving.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings for its simplicity and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Cheese: 24 cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • Pesto: 4 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • Vegetables: 12 cherry tomatoes, 12 fresh basil leaves
  • Olives: 12 pitted green olives, 12 pitted black olives
  • For Assembly: 12 wooden appetizer skewers (6-inch)

Instructions

Cook Tortellini:
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Toss with Pesto:
In a medium bowl, gently toss the cooled tortellini with 2 tablespoons of pesto until evenly coated.
Assemble Skewers:
To assemble each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (fold if large), one pesto-coated tortellini, one green olive, one more tortellini, and one black olive in any order you like.
Serve:
Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining pesto over the skewers just before serving, if desired.
Italian Appetizer Skewers showcasing cheese tortellini tossed in pesto, paired with olives and fresh basil for a vibrant bite. Save It
Italian Appetizer Skewers showcasing cheese tortellini tossed in pesto, paired with olives and fresh basil for a vibrant bite. | zetluna.com

These skewers are always a hit during our summer parties and bring everyone together around the snack table.

Preparation Tips

Cook tortellini al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy on the skewers.

Storage Instructions

Can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio for a refreshing accompaniment.

Delicious appetizer skewers featuring tortellini, pesto-covered and threaded alongside olives, perfect for a party. Save It
Delicious appetizer skewers featuring tortellini, pesto-covered and threaded alongside olives, perfect for a party. | zetluna.com

Enjoy these flavorful skewers as a perfect start to any meal or as a stand-alone party snack.

Common Questions About Recipes

How should I cook the tortellini for the skewers?

Boil tortellini following package directions until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool before assembling.

Can I use store-bought pesto for this dish?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well, but homemade basil pesto adds a fresher, vibrant flavor.

What olives work best on these skewers?

Pitted green and black olives provide a nice briny contrast and are easiest to thread onto the skewers.

Is there a way to prepare these skewers ahead of time?

You can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and refrigerate; bring them to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?

Try adding small mozzarella balls or using sun-dried tomato pesto to enhance richness and variety.

Tortellini Pesto Olive Skewers

Tender tortellini with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, basil, and olives threaded on skewers for easy serving.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Orbit Fuel

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Recipe Output 12 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Pasta & Cheese

01 24 cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Pesto

01 4 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

Vegetables

01 12 cherry tomatoes
02 12 fresh basil leaves

Olives

01 12 pitted green olives
02 12 pitted black olives

For Assembly

01 12 wooden appetizer skewers (6 inches)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Cook Tortellini: Prepare tortellini following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Step 02

Coat Tortellini with Pesto: In a medium bowl, gently toss cooled tortellini with 2 tablespoons of basil pesto until evenly coated.

Step 03

Assemble Skewers: Thread onto each skewer one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), one pesto-coated tortellini, one green olive, another tortellini, and one black olive in preferred order.

Step 04

Serve: Arrange skewers on a platter and drizzle with remaining pesto just before serving, if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden appetizer skewers

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (tortellini), milk (cheese in tortellini and pesto), and tree nuts (pine nuts in traditional pesto).

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 95
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams