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Summer weather often means beautiful herbs and vegetables. This easy caprese skewer appetizer recipe is great for your next picnic, cookout, or if you just want some tasty snacks.
This is a simple and elegant appetizer that uses fresh herbs and vegetables. Not only that, it is good for you, low calorie, and looks stunning.
If you are looking for some other bright summer fare, consider giving this Strawberry Salad with Simple Vinaigrette Dressing, Grilled Carrots with Honey Mustard Glaze, or maybe this Lamb Burger recipe with Mint Yogurt Sauce. No matter what you make, make sure to treat yourself!
Table of Contents
🔥 Ingredients
This is a Caprese-inspired recipe, so it will have all of the ingredients in the normal Caprese salad. You need a bit more, though.
See recipe card for quantities.
🍲 Instructions
Start by adding balsamic vinegar to a container, then drop in the cherry tomatoes. For better absorption, you can poke holes in the tomatoes using a skewer or fork. Allow them to marinate for at least an hour, but up to 24 hours if you have the time.
Next, create the cheese marinade by mixing extra virgin olive oil, salt, and minced garlic in a separate container. Add the mozzarella balls and let them soak up the flavors for about an hour and up to 2 hours.
Optionally, you can reserve the oil and vinegar for dipping or to serve on the side of the skewers. Of course, you could just keep the left overs and use it for anything you might need balsamic vinegar or olive oil for.
You will need skewers for this and short ones work best. I linked to the skewers we use in the products section below. You can also use toothpicks, but if it is too short, you will want to only use one tomato instead of two.
To assemble the skewers, thread a cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf, and finish with another cherry tomato. Repeat this process until you have 12 beautifully layered skewers. If using toothpicks, simply add one tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf per pick. Enjoy your delicious and visually appealing appetizers!
🤷 Substitutions and variations
Feel free to get creative with your skewers! Swap out cherry tomatoes for melon balls, strawberries, or artichoke hearts for a different flavor twist. You can also add some meat, like prosciutto or salami, for a heartier option.
If you’re using toothpicks, keep it simple with just one tomato, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf per pick. The possibilities are endless, so tailor this recipe to your taste and enjoy!
📦 Storage
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. If the skewers are pre-assembled, ensure they’re covered to keep the basil from wilting and the mozzarella from drying out. For the best flavor, serve them at room temperature.
🎓 History tidbit
Caprese salad, originating from the island of Capri in Italy, is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Named after its place of origin, this dish traditionally features ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. Its colors mirror the Italian flag, making it a patriotic favorite. The salad became popular in the 1950s, symbolizing Italian culture and culinary tradition. Over time, Caprese has evolved into various forms, including these delightful skewers, while still maintaining its classic charm and simplicity .
❓ FAQ
To keep basil fresh, store it in a cool, damp paper towel until you’re ready to use it. Adding it to the skewers just before serving also helps keep it vibrant and crisp.
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes, small heirloom tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different texture and flavor. Other fruits like melon balls or strawberries can also add a unique twist.
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best presentation and flavor, assemble the skewers shortly before serving. If making ahead, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container and let them come to room temperature before serving.
📝 Tips and tricks
- Of course, you can prepare them all with meat or NONE with meat. Add some salami or bruschetta if you want.
- You could try melon balls, strawberries, or artichoke hearts instead of cherry tomatoes.
- You can just as easily do this on toothpicks, but you would add only one tomato, mozzarella ball, and one basil to each. Use your judgement
🛠 Products used in this recipe
😋 Did you make this recipe?
That is awesome, and thank you so much for giving this Easy Caprese Skewers recipe a try. If you could leave a rating in the comment area below, it would be greatly appreciated. This lets me know how I am doing and also helps others decide if they want to make this recipe. Most of all, thanks for visiting Ramshackle Pantry.
Easy Caprese Skewer Appetizer
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 Skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Easy Caprese Skewers are a delightful and elegant appetizer featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all marinated to perfection. Perfect for any gathering, they offer a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 pearl or small mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup EVOO
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 24 cherry tomato
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 24 basil leaves
Instructions
- Add Vinegar: In a container, add balsamic vinegar
- Add Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes and optionally use skewer or fork to poke hole in tomato to help vingar soak in
- Marinate: Allow to marinate for at least one hour and up to 24.
- Cheese Marinade Creation: mix EVOO, salt, and garlic in a container and add mozzarella balls
- Marinate Cheese: Allow to marinate for 1 hour and up to 2 hours
- Make Skewer: On a skewer or toothpick, add – in this order – 1 tomato, 1 basil leaf (folded if large), 1 mozzarella ball, 1 folded basil leaf, and one cherry tomato
- Make Skewers: Repeat for 12 total skewers
Notes
- Of course, you can prepare them all with meat or NONE with meat
- You could try melon balls, strawberries, or artichoke hearts instead of cherry tomatoes.
- You can just as easily do this on toothpicks, but you would add only one tomato, mozzarella ball, and one basil to each. Use your judgement
