A festive Mediterranean spread that celebrates global flavors.
This Italian Holiday Antipasto platter transforms your holiday table into a Mediterranean feast. With marinated olives, artichokes, cured meats, and provolone, it's a vibrant, shareable appetizer that pairs beautifully with roast beef or turkey.
Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or a festive Christmas gathering, this antipasto platter adds a touch of Italy to any celebration. It's easy to assemble, visually stunning, and packed with global flavors that guests will love.
The best part? This platter is perfect for the planning stage—simply arrange the ingredients on a rustic wooden board and let the vibrant colors shine. No cooking required!
From marinated olives to fresh basil, each element brings a unique texture and taste. It's a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine that's as easy to prepare as it is impressive to serve.
Ready to impress your guests with a colorful, shareable appetizer that's bursting with global flavors? Let's get started!
Why This Recipe Works
No-Cook Prep
Assemble this festive platter in minutes with no cooking required. Perfect for holiday planning when you want to minimize last-minute stress.
Global Flavors
This Mediterranean-inspired spread brings authentic Italian flavors to your table, creating a multicultural dining experience.
Shareable Design
The rustic wooden board presentation encourages guests to mingle and share, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Versatile Pairings
Complements roast turkey, beef, or even vegetarian mains. Add a glass of red wine for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Italian Holiday Antipasto Platter
A vibrant Mediterranean spread for festive gatherings
Ingredients
- • 1 cup marinated olives (green and black)
- • 8 oz artichoke hearts, drained
- • 6 oz cured salami slices
- • 6 oz provolone cheese, wedges
- • 4 oz roasted red peppers
- • 1 small fresh basil bunch
- • 1 small bowl olive oil
- • 1 festive napkin
Instructions
Prepare Board: Choose a large rustic wooden board or platter. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let dry.
💡 Use a board with natural imperfections for an authentic homemade look.
Arrange Olives: Start by placing marinated olives around the perimeter of the board. Alternate green and black varieties for visual contrast.
💡 Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the olives for extra flavor.
Add Artichokes: Place drained artichoke hearts in the center of the board. Surround with roasted red peppers for color.
💡 Pat artichokes dry to prevent excess moisture.
Layer Cured Meats: Fan out salami slices across the board, overlapping slightly for visual appeal.
💡 Use a cheese knife to trim large pieces for even distribution.
Place Cheese: Arrange provolone cheese wedges in clusters around the board. Add a small bowl of olive oil nearby.
💡 Choose aged provolone for stronger flavor.
Final Touches: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add a festive napkin and cheese knife for serving.
💡 Add a glass of red wine for a complete Mediterranean pairing.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Marinated Olives
Provide briny flavor and visual contrast. Use a mix of green and black olives varieties for complexity.
Substitutions: Tapenade or olive tapenade for a spreadable option.
Artichoke Hearts
Add a fresh, tangy element. Choose marinated or roasted versions for convenience.
Substitutions: Sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke relish.
Cured Salami
Contributes rich, savory flavor. Opt for dry-cured varieties like Genoa or Capicola.
Substitutions: Prosciutto or pepperoni for a spicier kick.
Provolone Cheese
Offers creamy texture and mild flavor. Use aged provolone for stronger taste.
Substitutions: Mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Pro Tips for Perfect Antipasto
Flavor Balance
Mix salty (olives, salami) with creamy (cheese) and tangy (artichokes) elements for perfect harmony.
Color Contrast
Alternate green, black, red, and white ingredients for maximum visual appeal.
Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare 24 hours ahead and store in fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Pairing Suggestion
Serve with Chianti Classico or Barolo for authentic Italian flavor.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Skip cured meats and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
Low-Carb Option
Use no-carb cheese and skip the bread. Add more olives and artichokes.
Holiday Twist
Add festive garnishes like cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or edible flowers.
Mini Version
Use smaller board and portion into individual serving cups for easy party serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast turkey or beef with rosemary gravy
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Crusty Italian bread
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Chianti, Barolo, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble platter up to 24 hours ahead. Store in fridge until ready to serve.
Refrigerator Storage
Keep in airtight container for up to 3 days. Cheese may dry out slightly, so wrap separately.
Freezer Storage
Not recommended for cheese and meats. Freeze olives/artichokes separately for up to 2 months.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use pre-made antipasto kits?
A: Yes! Look for high-quality kits with fresh ingredients for best results.
Q: How to prevent cheese from drying out?
A: Wrap cheese in parchment paper before placing on board. Add just before serving.
Q: What to do with leftover platter?
A: Store in airtight containers. Olives and artichokes will last longest.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Holiday Antipasto platter is more than just an appetizer—it's a celebration of Mediterranean culture on your holiday table. With vibrant colors, global flavors, and easy preparation, it's the perfect way to impress guests while enjoying the festivities.
Whether you're pairing it with roast turkey or serving as a standalone appetizer, this platter brings the spirit of Italy to any celebration. Don't forget to share your favorite antipasto element in the comments below!
