Description
These fresh Caprese salad skewers combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves with a sweet balsamic drizzle for a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, halved or whole if small
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 1/4 cup sweet balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic drizzle: Pour 1/4 cup of sweet balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of honey (optional) and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Stir gently and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Rinse and dry the basil leaves and cherry tomatoes: Wash under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Drain the mozzarella balls: Place them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Assemble the skewers: On each wooden skewer or toothpick, thread one cherry tomato (whole or halved depending on size), then a fresh basil leaf folded neatly, followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter: Lay them out neatly for visual appeal.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction evenly over the skewers using a spoon or small squeeze bottle. Add a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to finish.
- Serve immediately while the basil is fresh and the balsamic drizzle is glossy.
Notes
If the balsamic glaze thickens too much when cooled, warm it slightly before drizzling. Use fresh basil leaves with no tears for best presentation. Assemble skewers just before serving to keep basil vibrant and mozzarella from becoming soggy. Double the balsamic glaze if you want extra on the side. Vegan substitutions include vegan mozzarella or marinated tofu and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Caprese salad, skewers, appetizer, fresh basil, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, balsamic drizzle, easy recipe, party food