These Caprese skewers are a fresh and colorful bite-sized take on the classic Italian Caprese salad. With sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze, they make a light yet flavorful summer appetizer that comes together in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these skewers celebrate summer’s best flavors with hardly any effort. They’re quick to assemble, visually stunning, and perfect for gatherings or an afternoon snack. I can prepare them in advance, and they still look and taste fresh. Plus, because the ingredients are simple, every bite bursts with natural flavor.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
24 cherry tomatoes
-
12 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
-
24 basil leaves
-
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
-
Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
-
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
-
Thread the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto mini skewers. I like to use two tomatoes and one mozzarella ball per skewer, with basil leaves tucked between.
-
If basil leaves are large, I fold them in half before skewering.
-
Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
-
Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction.
-
Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 skewers, serving 4 people as an appetizer. Prep time is 15 minutes, and no cooking is required.
Variations
I like to swap some of the tomatoes for fresh strawberries or diced peaches for a sweet twist. Sometimes I replace basil with mint leaves for a different aroma. Marinated mozzarella balls also add a lovely depth of flavor without needing extra seasoning. If I’m serving a larger crowd, I make longer skewers with more layers for a more filling bite.
storage/reheating
I find these skewers taste best the day they’re made. If I need to prepare them in advance, I assemble them up to 4 hours before serving and store them in the refrigerator. I wait to drizzle the olive oil and balsamic until right before serving to keep the basil vibrant and the mozzarella fresh. These are not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these skewers the night before?
I don’t recommend making them more than 4 hours ahead, as the basil may wilt and the mozzarella can lose freshness.
What can I use instead of balsamic reduction?
I sometimes use a splash of balsamic vinegar mixed with honey for sweetness, or even a fruity vinaigrette.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes work perfectly and can be slightly firmer, which helps them hold up well on skewers.
How can I make these more filling?
I make longer skewers with extra tomato and mozzarella layers, or I serve them alongside crusty bread or crackers.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, I replace the mozzarella balls with vegan mozzarella or even marinated tofu cubes for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
I love how these Caprese skewers turn simple summer ingredients into a beautiful and tasty appetizer in just minutes. They’re colorful, fresh, and endlessly adaptable, making them a go-to recipe for any warm-weather gathering. Every bite captures the essence of summer, and they disappear quickly whenever I serve them.
Print
Caprese Skewers
A refreshing, bite-sized twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, these skewers feature cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze for the perfect summer appetizer.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (serves 4)
Ingredients
24 cherry tomatoes
12 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
24 basil leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Thread 2 cherry tomatoes, 1 mozzarella ball, and 2 basil leaves onto each skewer, folding basil leaves if large.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic reduction.
- Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a sweet twist, replace some tomatoes with strawberries or diced peaches.
- Try mint instead of basil for a fresh variation.
- Use marinated mozzarella balls for added flavor.
- Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, but drizzle oil and balsamic just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
