Grilled Antipasto Salad
Grilled antipasto salad features skewered vegetables and cheese tortellini, infused with Italian dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues and casual gatherings, offering vibrant flavors and smoky aromas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for an hour, or use metal skewers.
- Thread all ingredients onto skewers, alternating vegetables and cheese tortellini, excluding Italian dressing and romaine lettuce.
- Brush the skewers generously with Italian dressing.
- Grill the skewers over hot coals, turning often, for 8 to 10 minutes until vegetables are nicely browned.
- Serve each skewered salad on a leaf of romaine lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the tortellini in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before skewering. Feel free to substitute the zucchini with bell peppers or asparagus for variety. If you can’t find fresh cheese tortellini, frozen or dried varieties work too; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, making it a great addition to your Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled antipasto salad warm on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce for a delightful presentation. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a refreshing meal. This salad also goes well with crusty bread or a side of garlic knots, making it a satisfying option for a summer gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the grill or oven and warm the skewers for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally. This helps to retain the flavors and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Antipasto Salad contains roughly 419 calories, with 10g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours before grilling. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can cook the skewers in an oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or use a grill pan on the stovetop. Just be sure to turn them frequently to achieve an even char.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the skewers. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted accordingly to fully cook the protein without overcooking the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).