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GET IT NOWWhen it comes to healthy summer recipes, there’s one flavor combination that wins over so many others: Tomatoes and basil! This easy Caprese appetizer goes by several names — Caprese salad skewers, simply Caprese skewers, or tomato mozzarella basil skewers — but whatever you call them, they are the perfect way to enjoy the classic summery flavors of Caprese salad. And with the beautiful red and green colors, they are also festive looking for Christmas.
Caprese Skewers: Why You’ll Love Them
- Classic Caprese flavors and fresh taste
- Creamy and crunchy textures
- Just 6 simple ingredients (plus a couple optional ones)
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Perfect summer party appetizer or snack
- Naturally healthy, low in carbohydrates, keto, and gluten-free
What Are Caprese Skewers?
Caprese salad skewers are essentially a Caprese salad on a stick — so fun! Caprese salad is usually made of tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Sometimes the dressing is olive oil, balsamic glaze, or a pesto sauce drizzle. This Caprese appetizer version is perfect for parties or picnics, because it’s bite-sized and portable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here I explain the best ingredients for this Caprese appetizer with balsamic reduction, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Grape tomatoes – You can use any type of small tomato for these Caprese appetizer sticks. Grape or cherry tomatoes work well. If you want to add some extra color, try a multi-colored tomato combo.
- Bacon – This is my spin on these mini Caprese skewers — because everything is better with bacon — but you can omit for a vegetarian version. If you do include the bacon (highly recommend!), you can cook it in any way you like. I love how easy oven baked bacon and air fryer bacon are.
VARIATION: Use folded prosciutto or salami instead of bacon.
It’s a great shortcut that doesn’t require cooking! Fold the slices over before threading on the skewers.
- Basil – Fresh basil leaves are a must for any Caprese recipe.
- Mozzarella cheese – Look for mini fresh mozzarella balls, sometimes called bocconcini. I recommend the kind that comes in a container in liquid, rather than the vacuum sealed ones, which tend to be smaller.
- Pesto Sauce – My homemade basil pesto sauce drizzle adds great fresh flavor, but if you’d rather use store bought, that works, too. The pesto is salty enough that the recipe doesn’t need any salt added separately. If you’re not a fan of pesto, you can simply omit this; you may want to add a sprinkle of garlic powder, sea salt, and/or Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil – Used to thin out the pesto to make it easier to drizzle. I added 2 tablespoons of oil to 1/4 cup of pesto to get the right consistency, but this can vary. If your pesto is already very runny, you can omit the extra oil.
- Balsamic Glaze – Sometimes this is called balsamic reduction, this is the classic topping for Caprese skewers. You can get this at the grocery store, but I love making homemade balsamic glaze from balsamic vinegar, so there’s no sugar added. If you want store-bought glaze for convenience, I like this brand, which also has no added sugar or preservatives.
- Black pepper – Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor, but pre-ground will work if that’s what you have.
- Toothpicks – For skewering! Longer skewers (like these bamboo skewers) are also a great option.
VARIATION: Add avocado!
If you like avocado Caprese salad, add some diced avocado to this Caprese appetizer skewers recipe! (I recommend using the longer bamboo skewers mentioned above if you do this, so that the avocado can fit.)
How To Make Caprese Skewers
This section shows how to make tomato mozzarella basil skewers, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Assemble. Thread tomatoes, bacon pieces (if using), basil, and mozzarella balls onto toothpicks, following the order listed.
TIP: Fold the basil leaves as needed.
For large basil leaves, fold them over before threading them onto the toothpick.
- Mix pesto oil. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil. You will want a consistency that is easy to drizzle, so add more olive oil if necessary, or omit the oil if your pesto is already very runny.
- Drizzle. Top the Caprese appetizers with pesto and balsamic glaze, about 1/2 teaspoon of pesto and 1/4 teaspoon of glaze per skewer. Finish with cracked black pepper.
Storage Instructions
Store the Caprese appetizer skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, without the pesto and balsamic on top.
Can You Make Caprese Skewers Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make mozzarella Caprese skewers ahead of time. For best results, put together the Caprese appetizers in advance (without sauce or balsamic), cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. When it’s time to serve them, drizzle with the pesto sauce and balsamic glaze.
More Easy Finger Food Appetizers
If you love this easy Caprese skewers recipe, you might like some of these other simple healthy appetizer recipes:
Caprese Skewers (Easy)
Caprese skewers are quick and easy! These tomato mozzarella basil skewers make a fun, fresh, and healthy Caprese appetizer everyone will love.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Skewer the tomatoes, bacon pieces (if using), fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella balls onto the toothpicks, in that order. (You can fold any larger basil pieces as needed.)
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In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto and olive oil. If it's still thick, thin out with more oil.
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Drizzle the pesto sauce over the skewers, then the balsamic glaze.
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Top with fresh cracked black pepper, if desired.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 3 Caprese skewers
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Caprese Skewers Recipe
73 Comments
Lori Barrett
0I’ve never tried a fresh food skewer before, so will put it on my “to make” list!
Heather
0This is great party snack and so much more convenient than a plated caprese salad. We love making it.
Lisa
0Adding bacon is a great idea! These will be a hit for sure.
Barrie
0This looks like a fun way to serve an appetizer or a salad. My kiddo would love this.
Shelly K
0These are always the first sides gone! I made them when we last grilled and our pickiest son went back for thirds! The bacon is a fun touch and I like the pesto addition. I’ll be making these again for Christmas since they are red and green, afterall! Definitely a repeat recipe!
Karen
0This cute little skewers look perfect to add to my Christmas dinner menu. Thank you for all the wonderful, healthy recipes. Well done!
Cam
0This is amazing! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Gen
0These are so easy to make, perfect for easy party food! Never thought of adding bacon – thank you for the idea.
Kara
0Oh my gosh, I could eat the whole plate of these – so good! I love the idea of adding avocado, so I’m going to try that next time.
Agnes
0I’ve eaten Caprese skewers many times, but adding the bacon (and pesto) is just what I didn’t know I needed. So good!
Taylor
0These are so easy to make and look so elegant! Love all the fresh flavors. They are always a huge hit whenever I make them!
Addison
0One of my go-to appetizer recipes. Love it.
Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
0Love the pesto here – perfect party food!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you! I think so, too!
Renee
0Now THIS is an appetizer that I would eat like a meal! The addition of bacon on your skewers is everything!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Renee! I’m glad you like it!