Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Chef Josie
Bring festive flair to your holiday table with this Christmas Antipasto Wreath, a colorful and delicious appetizer that doubles as a stunning edible centerpiece. Loaded with Italian-inspired ingredients like salami, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, it’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
This holiday party appetizer is the ultimate blend of elegance and simplicity. Each skewer is packed with a mix of savory meats, tangy cheeses, and briny vegetables, all arranged in the shape of a wreath; perfect for Christmas Eve appetizers, buffet tables, or even New Year’s parties.
No cooking required, just a few fresh ingredients and a bit of creativity. It’s a holiday appetizer idea that looks impressive but takes less than 20 minutes to assemble.
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Table of Contents
Christmas Antipasto Wreath
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
A festive no-cook appetizer featuring Italian meats, cheese, olives, and herbs arranged in a stunning wreath shape. Perfect for holiday parties or Christmas dinners.
Ingredients
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20 cherry tomatoes
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20 mozzarella balls
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10 slices salami
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10 slices prosciutto
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10 olives (mixed)
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6 pepperoncini
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6 artichoke hearts
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Fresh basil and rosemary
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Olive oil and balsamic glaze
Instructions
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Thread ingredients onto skewers.
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Arrange skewers in a wreath shape on platter.
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Garnish with rosemary sprigs.
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Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Pat ingredients dry before assembling.
Make ahead and chill up to 4 hours.
Add vegetarian or Mediterranean variations.
Serve with bread, dips, or crackers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Party Food
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Antipasto Wreath
- Festive and eye-catching: A holiday showstopper that doubles as table decor.
- No cooking required: Just assemble and serve.
- Versatile and customizable: Mix and match ingredients to fit your tastes.
- Perfect for entertaining: Easy to prep ahead for parties or brunches.
- Balanced and flavorful: A mix of salty, savory, and tangy elements.
Ingredients
- 20–25 cherry tomatoes
- 20 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 10 slices salami, folded
- 10 slices prosciutto or ham
- 10 olives (green and black mix)
- 6–8 pepperoncini or pickled peppers
- 6–8 marinated artichoke hearts
- Fresh basil leaves or arugula
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish and structure)
- Optional: drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Prepare skewers: Thread ingredients onto small wooden skewers or toothpicks; mix and match salami, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and basil.
- Arrange the wreath: Place a small bowl upside down in the center of a large round platter. Arrange the skewers in a circular pattern around it to form a wreath shape.
- Add greenery: Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the skewers for a festive “pine branch” effect.
- Garnish: Drizzle lightly with olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Serve: Remove the bowl, add a small dip or olives in the center if desired, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes and Top Tips
- For extra freshness, prepare skewers no more than 4 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Use sturdy rosemary sprigs for visual appeal and added aroma.
- Swap mozzarella with marinated feta cubes for a bolder flavor.
- Serve with small forks or toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Christmas Antipasto Wreath is perfect for holiday parties, Christmas brunch, or as a starter for Christmas dinner. It also makes an excellent New Year’s Eve appetizer because it’s elegant, shareable, and easy to enjoy while mingling.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Antipasto Wreath: Skip the meats and add roasted bell peppers, marinated mushrooms, and artichoke hearts.
- Mediterranean Wreath: Add cubes of feta, cucumbers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sweet & Savory Version: Include small pieces of dried fruit or candied nuts.
- Mini Skewers: Make bite-sized versions for cocktail parties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble skewers a few hours before serving and keep refrigerated.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Avoid sogginess: Pat marinated ingredients dry before threading onto skewers.
- Refresh before serving: Add a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs for shine and aroma.
Why You’ll Make It Again
This Christmas Antipasto Wreath is the perfect mix of easy, elegant, and festive. It’s a no-fuss appetizer that makes entertaining a breeze while adding a show-stopping touch to your holiday table. Guests love the variety of flavors and textures, and you’ll love how quick it is to assemble.
Ideal for Christmas dinner parties, holiday buffets, or New Year celebrations, this wreath brings color, freshness, and flavor to every gathering. Once you serve it, it’ll become a new holiday tradition.
FAQs
1. How far ahead can I make a Christmas antipasto wreath?
You can assemble it up to 4 hours in advance. Keep covered and chilled until serving.
2. What’s the best way to display it?
Serve on a round platter or wooden board, and use rosemary to mimic wreath greenery.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the meats and add more marinated veggies or cheese.
4. What can I serve in the center of the wreath?
Try a bowl of balsamic glaze, pesto, or olive tapenade for dipping.
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