Description
Caprese Skewers are a quick and easy no-cook snack combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and creamy mozzarella balls, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. This fresh and colorful appetizer offers the classic flavors of a Caprese salad in a portable, versatile form perfect for parties, lunches, or anytime you want a healthy and flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes (ripe and firm) – quantity as desired
- Fresh basil leaves (tender and fragrant) – quantity as desired
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) – quantity as desired
For Dressing and Seasoning
- Extra virgin olive oil – for drizzling
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar – for drizzling
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
For Assembly
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks – as needed
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cold water. Pat them dry carefully to avoid sogginess. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry as well to prevent excess moisture on the skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Take a skewer or toothpick and thread a cherry tomato first. Follow with a fresh basil leaf—fold the leaf if it’s large—and finish with a mozzarella ball. Repeat this layering until you have the desired number of skewers.
- Season and Dress: Lay the finished skewers on a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the top, followed by a thin stream of balsamic glaze or vinegar for that signature Caprese flair.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Caprese Skewers are ready to be enjoyed immediately. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to mingle.
Notes
- Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and freshness.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls rather than pre-shredded or processed cheese for authentic texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd skewers to maintain balanced bites and attractive presentation.
- Chill skewers for 15 minutes before serving if you prefer a cooler snack, but avoid long storage with the dressing applied.
- Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar gently until thickened for a richer homemade taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg