Caprese Skewers
Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil threaded onto skewers and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. A fresh, no-cook Italian appetizer that comes together in minutes - perfect for summer parties or a light bite.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prep the ingredients.
1.Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry.2.Drain mozzarella balls from brine and pat dry with paper towels.3.Pick 24 fresh basil leaves, choosing medium to large ones.4.If using thick balsamic vinegar, whisk with olive oil. Otherwise, keep separate.TIPDry ingredients prevent watery skewers and help the olive oil cling better. - assemble · ~10 min
Thread the caprese skewers.
1.Slide a cherry tomato onto a skewer, pushing it down to about 1 inch from the end.2.Fold a basil leaf in half and thread it on, followed by a mozzarella ball.3.Repeat: add another basil leaf, then another tomato.4.Continue until you have 8 skewers, each with 2 tomatoes, 3 basil leaves, and 2 mozzarella balls in alternating layers.TIPThread the basil leaf through the folded center so both green halves show on either side. It looks prettier. - assemble · ~1 min
Arrange and season the skewers.
Lay the finished skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the olive oil (and balsamic if whisked together) over the skewers. Season with a pinch of salt and crack black pepper over the top.
- garnish · ~1 min
Finish with balsamic and serve.
If balsamic was kept separate, drizzle it artfully over the platter now. Serve immediately at room temperature.
TIPDon't refrigerate after assembling. Mozzarella and tomatoes taste best at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the mozzarella very dry with paper towels to prevent watery skewers.
- 2Use uniform-sized cherry tomatoes so each bite has a balanced tomato-to-cheese ratio.
- 3Thread basil leaves through the folded center to keep them from slipping off.
- 4Let assembled skewers sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- 5For a balsamic glaze, simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar until syrupy, then cool and drizzle.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or vegan mozzarella. The creamy-herb balance stays intact, making it suitable for plant-based diets.
low carbLow-carb
Skip the balsamic drizzle and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and lemon zest. This cuts sugar and keeps the skewers keto-friendly.
Mediterranean herbMediterranean herb
Tuck a small oregano or mint leaf alongside the basil for an extra layer of Mediterranean aroma that pairs well with the olive oil.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cherry tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may support heart health when consumed with olive oil.
Good Source of Calcium
Mozzarella cheese supplies calcium for strong bones and teeth, with about 200 mg per serving.
Healthy Fats from Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil delivers monounsaturated fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the tomatoes.
Low-Calorie Appetizer
Each skewer contains roughly 80-100 calories, making it a light, satisfying starter.
Frequently asked questions
Assemble them up to 4 hours ahead, cover loosely, and refrigerate. Bring to room temp 20 minutes before serving and add the olive oil and balsamic just before serving.
