These handy and fun Caprese skewers are easy to make with mini tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a flavorful balsamic reduction. This is the perfect recipe for an effortless and delicious healthy snack or appetizer that is sure to impress!
Table of Contents
Why we love these caprese skewers?
Caprese skewers are a fresh and elegant appetizer or snack that taste as wonderful as they look!
Beautiful ripe cherry tomatoes are threaded on a skewer with marinated mozzarella balls and basil leaves. Then drizzle on a tangy balsamic reduction right before serving - either store bought or homemade - and it's done!
So although presentable like fancy Caprese skewers with balsamic glaze, they could not be easier to make. This no cook recipe comes together in 10 minutes.
In fact, you can even do most of the prep work ahead, just like I do! You can get your produce ready and marinate the mozzarella cheese the night before, then enjoy the next day as a delicious snack or refreshing and healthy side dish.
These vibrant and tasty mini bites are a gorgeous addition to any table! From holiday gatherings and special occasions to casual get togethers like potlucks, game nights and summer BBQs, everyone will love eating these fun "caprese salad on a stick" skewers!
*For more easy and crowd-pleasing snacks and appetizers, try these classic recipes:
Ingredients you will need
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high quality oil for the best taste.
Italian Seasoning: It's easy to make your own Italian Seasoning!
Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground pepper, to taste.
Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ones that are plump and ripe, without blemishes. When you give them a gentle squeeze they should feel not too firm or soft.
Mini Mozzarella Cheese Balls: Moist, tender, and firm mozzarella is best. If you don't have cheese balls, chopped large pieces of cheese are fine.
Basil Leaves: Fresh, rinsed and dried.
Balsamic Glaze: Purchase store bought balsamic reduction for a quick and easy Caprese salad on a stick recipe.
How to make caprese salad skewers?
- To start with, season the extra virgin olive with Italian seasoning, salt and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl.
- Add mini mozzarella balls in the oil and gently toss to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the BEST flavor, allow it to rest overnight in the fridge.
- To assemble, thread a cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball on mini skewers and place on serving platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction, (you can also drizzle the seasoned olive oil over the tomatoes) and serve!
Expert Tips
- Choose fresh and juicy cherry tomatoes that are a similar in size as the mozzarella balls.
- Bamboo skewers of about 6 inches are best. These stay firm and are the most handy.
- I love to use bocconcini but any fresh mozzarella works great! Chop into thick 1-2 inch chunks if necessary.
- Small basil leaves are ideal. But if big are all that's available, simply cut in two or fold and use.
- We prefer to marinate the mozzarella for few hours or even overnight for the most bold and tasty flavor. While it isn't necessary I suggest marinating them for at least 30 minutes per the recipe.
FAQs
You can marinate mozzarella for few hours to overnight in the refrigerator. Assemble up to a day ahead, but don’t drizzle on the balsamic reduction (or add seasoned olive oil, if using) until you plan to serve.
Yes, they are! Foods included in a Mediterranean diet - like fresh tomatoes and herbs, olive oil, vinegar, and mozzarella - are considered very healthy.
Add ½ cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons sugar to a small sauce pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and continue to stir as it cooks down. After several minutes it will reduce down to a glaze. Remove the pot from the heat and cool before drizzling onto the salad skewers.
Place the skewers in a sealed container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to 3 days with the basil on. However, if you remove the basil they can be stored for 4 or 5 days.
Recipe Variation
Use this Caprese salad skewers recipe as a blueprint and customize the ingredients however you like. Here are a few ideas of swaps and additions you can make:
Greens: Swap basil with baby spinach, or use a bit a both.
Fruits: Substitute tomatoes with large cut chunks of melons (like watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew), large berries (like strawberries or blackberries) for a sweet summer snack.
Olives: - Add some extra layers of flavor by threading on green and/or black pitted olives.
Proteins: Increase the heartiness and add other proteins to the skewers! Try cooked and cooled tortellini, thick pieces of salami, or cubes of cooked chicken.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy as an appetizer before digging into Tomato Spinach Pasta, Chicken Alfredo Pasta, or homemade Naan Pizza. They are even terrific for dinner parties and special occasions!
Serve as part of a satisfying lunch and pair with a hearty salad, sandwich, or warm bowl of Tomato Basil Soup or Tomato Pasta Soup.
I love to keep everything I need for this recipe on hand. Then whip up a few for a quick and refreshing snack!
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📖 Recipe
Caprese Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly Ground Pepper (to taste)
- 24 Cherry Tomatoes
- 24 Mini Mozzarella Cheese Balls
- 24 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
- To start with, season the extra virgin olive with Italian seasoning, salt and freshly cracked pepper in bowl.
- Add mini mozzarella balls in the oil and gently toss to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the BEST flavor, allow it to rest overnight in the fridge.
- To assemble, thread a cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball on mini skewers and place on serving platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction, (you can also drizzle the seasoned olive oil over the tomatoes) and serve!
Notes
- Choose fresh and juicy cherry tomatoes that are a similar in size as the mozzarella balls.
- We prefer to marinate the mozzarella for few hours or even overnight for the most bold and tasty flavor. While it isn't necessary I suggest marinating them for at least 30 minutes per the recipe
- I love to use bocconcini but any fresh mozzarella works great! Chop into thick 1-2 inch chunks if necessary.
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