Why You’ll Love Christmas Antipasto Wreath Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Visually stunning — shaped like a wreath, it’s as much decor as it is food.
Super simple and fast — minimal prep and quick to put together.
Customizable — you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect for gatherings — makes a fun, shareable centerpiece that guests will enjoy grazing.
Almost no cooking required — ideal when you already have other dishes to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

grape tomatoes
mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
pitted black and/or green olives
sliced salami
small skewers (about 6‑inch)
fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Directions

Thread the small skewers with a mix of grape tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, pitted olives and folded salami slices.
Arrange the skewers in a circle around a large plate, creating the wreath shape. Play with the placement to make it visually appealing.
Slide a couple sprigs of fresh rosemary between the skewers for extra garnish.
If making ahead of time, cover the antipasto wreath tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to about 4 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Servings: about 12 servings

Variations

Swap the salami for prosciutto, pepperoni or another cured meat of your choice.
Add marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers or pickled veggies to the skewers for extra variety and flavor.
Use flavored olives (e.g., garlic, herb‑marinated) for an extra taste twist.
For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more vegetables (e.g., roasted zucchini ribbons, grape or cherry tomatoes in different colors).
Change the garnish from rosemary to fresh basil or arugula ribbons for a different herb accent.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If prepared ahead, cover the antipasto wreath tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to about 4 hours before serving.
Re‑serving: Since this is a cold appetizer, no reheating is needed. Just remove from fridge, let sit a few minutes to take the chill off and serve.
Leftovers: If you have leftover skewers or ingredients, keep them covered in the fridge and consume within 1‑2 days for best freshness.

FAQs

What size skewers should I use?

Use small skewers around 6 inches long so they are easy to thread ingredients onto and form the wreath shape comfortably.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the skewers and arrange them on the plate, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes — the basic version is naturally gluten‑free (tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, salami) as long as your salami is gluten‑free. Always check labels if necessary.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Simply omit the salami and replace it with curled or folded roasted vegetables, marinated mushrooms or another vegetarian protein.

What plate or base should I use?

Choose a large, flat serving platter or round tray that can comfortably hold the skewers in a circular wreath shape. A white or neutral plate helps the colors pop.

How many servings does this make?

It makes about 12 servings — perfect for a party or gathering.

Can I adjust the ingredient quantities?

Yes — you can scale up or down based on guest count. Just maintain the approximate balance of tomatoes, mozzarella, olives and salami for consistent flavor.

What’s the best way to thread the skewers?

Start by adding a grape tomato, followed by a mozzarella ball, then an olive, then fold a slice of salami and thread it. Repeat until each skewer is filled, then arrange them.

How far ahead can I make it?

Best if made within about 4 hours ahead. After that the ingredients may start to weep or lose texture.

Can I add a dipping sauce?

Yes — if you like, you can serve a small bowl of balsamic glaze, pesto, or vinaigrette on the side for dipping the skewers.

Conclusion

This Christmas Antipasto Wreath is a cheerful, easy and elegant appetizer that adds festive flair to any holiday gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep time and high visual impact, it’s a winner for both busy hosts and guests alike. Pull it together in under 20 minutes, let it chill while you finish other dishes, and then delight your guests when you unveil the edible wreath.