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A colorful platter of easy-to-eat Outdoor Party Appetizers including skewers, dips, and fresh vegetables arranged on a rustic wooden table.

Mediterranean Orzo Stuffed Peppers with Spiced Nuts and Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon Skewers

A trio of perfect outdoor party appetizers designed for make-ahead ease and vibrant flavor. This spread includes refreshing Mediterranean orzo-stuffed mini peppers, a savory-sweet spiced nut mix, and elegant prosciutto-wrapped melon skewers. Together, they create a balanced, crowd-pleasing selection that stands up to the elements and lets the host enjoy the party.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried orzo pasta
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 English cucumber, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 15-20 mini sweet peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup raw whole almonds
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 small, ripe honeydew or cantaloupe
  • 8-10 thin slices of prosciutto
  • 1 small bunch of fresh basil
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Melon baller
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving platters
  • Skewers or toothpicks
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. Make the Orzo Salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Add cooled orzo, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. Toss to combine. Gently fold in feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Toast the Spiced Nuts: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a bowl, mix almonds, pecans, and cashews. In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Pour spice mix over nuts and toss to coat. Spread nuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and golden. Immediately out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and chopped rosemary. Let cool completely on the sheet.
  3. Prep the Melon: Cut melon in half and scoop out seeds. Use a melon baller to create small spheres (or cut into 1-inch cubes). Place melon balls in a container, cover, and refrigerate.
  4. Assemble the Stuffed Peppers: Just before serving, use a spoon to generously fill each halved mini pepper with the chilled orzo salad. Arrange on a platter.
  5. Assemble the Skewers: On a short skewer or toothpick, thread a small basil leaf, then a melon ball. Gently wrap a piece of prosciutto around the melon and skewer to secure. Arrange on a platter. Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and crack black pepper over them just before serving.
  6. Serve the Nuts: Pile the completely cooled spiced nuts into a serving bowl.

Notes

For food safety, keep cold appetizers chilled on a bed of ice or a chilled slab. The orzo salad can be customized with additions like artichoke hearts, goat cheese, or chickpeas. For a nut-free option, spice-roast chickpeas using the same method. For portability, pack components separately and assemble on-site to prevent sogginess. Leftover nuts store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Assemble skewers close to serving time.