Antipasto Skewers with Maple Herb Dressing

As the summer days begin to fade, there’s something special about savouring the last of the season’s harvest. If you’ve been tending a garden this year, it’s likely brimming with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. What better way to showcase these gems than with the ✨FINALE✨ of our August Appetizer Series! Today, we’re excited to bring you a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious—Week 3: Antipasto Skewers with Maple Herb Dressing.

In Case You Missed It!

Week 1: Peach, Mango & Roasted Corn Salsa with Maple Peach Fruit Sauce
Week 2: Jalapeño Popper Dip with Red Pepper Maple Jelly

What is Antipasto?

🗣️ an·tee·paa·stow

Antipasto is a traditional Italian course served before the main meal. The term “antipasto” comes from the Latin words “anti,” meaning “before,” and “pastus,” meaning “meal” or “food.” It essentially translates to: “before the meal” and serves to stimulate the appetite. In Italian cuisine, the presentation and pairing of antipasto are thoughtfully considered to complement the meal that follows. It seemed only fitting to include an antipasto dish in our August Appetizer Series.

Typically, an antipasto platter includes a selection of:

Cured meats like salami and prosciutto
Cheeses such as mozzarella and pecorino
Marinated vegetables like artichokes, olives, roasted peppers and sun dried tomatoes
Other savory bites like pickles, pearl onions or pepperoncinis

Versatility at Its Best

One of the joys of antipasto is its versatility. While our skewers feature cheese tortellini, Genoa salami, mini bocconcini, basil, and cherry tomatoes, the possibilities are endless. You can also use these ingredients to create a cold tortellini pasta salad. Simply chop the ingredients to your liking and serve as a refreshing salad course instead of an appetizer. Prefer a different cheese? Swap in some marinated mozzarella or cubes of sharp cheddar. Want to add more vegetables? Roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts would make delicious additions.

Celebrating Garden Freshness

There’s a certain magic in using ingredients you’ve grown yourself or sourced from a local farmers market. The flavour of freshly picked basil, still warm from the sun, or the burst of sweetness from a vine-ripened cherry tomato can’t be beat. These skewers are a true celebration of freshness, offering a burst of flavour in every bite. With bright colours and crisp textures, all conveniently served on a handheld skewer, they offer a modern twist on traditional antipasto.

The Maple Herb Dressing

Now, let’s talk about how we incorporated maple into this recipe using our Maple Herb Dressing. Made with our very own maple syrup, this dressing brings a subtle sweetness that beautifully enhances the savoury flavours of the antipasto. It’s no surprise that Maple Herb Dressing is our top-selling product, second only to our maple syrup. Its silky texture and umami flavour profile make it a true favourite. While it’s perfect for classic salads, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.

Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of that bottle in your fridge:

Sandwich Spread: Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps with roasted turkey, ham, or grilled chicken.
Dip for Fresh Bread or Crudités: Serve as a dipper for fresh bread, such as a crusty baguette or focaccia; or as a dip for a platter of raw veggies
Topping for Grain Bowls: Drizzle over a grain bowl with quinoa, farro, or brown rice, along with roasted vegetables, leafy greens, and a protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
Pasta Salad Dressing: Toss with a cold pasta salad made with ingredients like bowtie pasta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
Marinade for Grilled Vegetables: Perfect for bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Marinate the vegetables in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance their flavours.

A Sweet Ending to the August Appetizer Series

Our Antipasto Skewers with Maple Herb Dressing are the perfect way to close out our August Appetizer Series. This recipe not only showcases the vibrant flavours of late-summer produce but also highlights the versatility of our Maple Herb Dressing. Whether you’re enjoying these skewers at a summer gathering or using the dressing in new and creative ways, we hope this dish inspires you to celebrate the season’s bounty.