Easy Fresh Caprese Salad Skewers Recipe Perfect for Serving Crowds
These easy fresh Caprese salad skewers are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or light snacks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint (about 300g) cherry tomatoes, firm and ripe
- 8 oz (about 225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20–24 wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves gently under cold water and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well. Slice tomatoes in half if large; otherwise, leave whole.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Thread one cherry tomato, followed by a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat pattern if skewers are longer or keep to three items per skewer. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving. If making glaze at home, reduce ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 10-15 minutes), then cool slightly before drizzling.
- Taste the platter and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes if grilling. Assemble skewers ahead but add balsamic glaze just before serving to keep basil fresh and mozzarella firm. For a warm version, grill skewers 2-3 minutes per side after soaking skewers. Add flaky sea salt before serving for extra crunch. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 24 hours, keep glaze separate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 5.5
Keywords: Caprese salad, skewers, appetizer, fresh, easy, crowd-pleaser, Italian, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze