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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
This section explains how to choose 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 (So Easy!)
Caprese skewers are quick and easy! These tomato mozzarella basil skewers make a fun, fresh, and healthy Caprese appetizer everyone will love.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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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.
Did You Like It?
Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.
Recipe Notes
Serving size: 3 Caprese skewers
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
© 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. 🙂
67 Comments
Kristie
0Nothing beats a caprese salad, except caprese on a stick! Such a delicious perfect snack!
Yolandi V
0What a lovely idea! This was a hit with my family – and guess what will feature on this year’s Christmas Table?
Anne Coppola
0I’ll be making these for the holidays! Love it!
JB
0Hello! I made these for Thanksgiving and they were so yummy, easy, and beautiful!. I added bit of turkey jerky to each.
Thanks,
JB
Aisha
0Wow! That looks really delicious. I could really make that.
Nadia
0These came out fantastic!!! So simple too! I don’t eat pig products so I made them without bacon but plan to make them with turkey bacon next time! I also made my own pesto for these! Great idea for appetizers and will be making these again for our next party. Thank you!
Joy
0First time I had this was at a bridal shower. Nice and elegant and so addicting! So glad for this recipe!
Donna
0Oh, my these are so good. A burst of many flavors in each bite. I love the bacon and pesto option. I made the balsamic glaze one this time but will make the pesto next. I am going to make these again for Christmas Eve appetizers. Thanks for the inspiration.
LYNN
0This recipe is mouth watering. So good! Im taking this to work for our luncheon soon.
DAVID BADION
0So quick and easy, and tastes great too!
Elaine LeVan
0I have never before used balsamic glaze. I did click on that link to see your recipe. I have a couple of questions pertaining to the glaze. First, you start at 2 cups of balsamic vinegar, about how much volume does that yield after reduction? Are glass jars necessary for storage (vinegar can be corrosive to plastics)? I have always enjoyed Caprese salads so want to make sure I get it right!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Elaine, The 2 cups of balsamic reduces to 1 cup of glaze/reduction. I do recommend storing in glass jars (or another glass container), partially because of corrosion but also because the glaze is sticky. Hope this helps!
Tami Vollenweider
0How long will these last in the refrigerator after making them? Thanks
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Tami, Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Jesse
0These are so good! We’ve tried them and it was soooo yum. Would recommend this for kids that love salads, or someone needing a quick lunch for work or school.
Lucinda
0Tried these out for possible Christmas Eve finger food night. Though I may have to make a few without the glaze as several family and friends are allergic to vinegar. Any ideas?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lucinda, You could just omit the glaze.
Vicki L Schumacher
0Oh, these are so good, and so easy to make. I made them with small piece of sliced ham instead of the bacon.
Linda Sheen
0These are so scrumptious, I love the fresh taste the basil gives. My husband who isn’t keen on tomatoes enjoyed them and asked for more. A real hit.
Barbara Shaffer
0Perfect for my holiday party!
Michele Pease
0Sounds deeelishious! You have made caprese salad portable!! The tomato, mozzarella, and basil are a staple at my house! I like the idea of the salami or prosciutto…plus I may occasionally add marinated artichoke hearts! I know what’s going to be an appetizer this weekend….
Janice
0Looks super simple and delicious! I have a couple of the ingredients in the fridge, just need to buy the fresh mozz and basil, and will be making these soon!
Shanea Wilson
0I’ve never heard of salad on a stick before but I love the concept, this seems like it would be awesome to make when having company alongside the white chicken chili recipe that’s on here (which I’ve made several times already, it’s delicious)
Colleen Hope
0This was a huge hit with my family, even with my hubby who isn’t a big fan of tomatoes. I’ll definitely be making this again! Thanks for this wonderful recipe!
Colleen Dyer
0This recipe is the perfect snack or appetizer! I have a few holiday parties coming up, and I think I’ll be bringing this to a couple of them! I know it’ll be a crowd pleaser!
Timothy Aldred
0Delicious and easy recipes to follow. The keto diet and your recipes make eating an enjoyable experience.
Lori
0If I replaced the mozzarella with avocado (lactose intolerant) would it taste good?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Lori, Sorry I can’t answer that because I have never tried it that way.
Emily
0Made these a few days ago for a dinner party, and they were so good! Everyone loved them. Such a simple and easy to follow recipe too.
Dawn T
0This looks so delicious! I’m going to try these after the new year, and it may become a staple snack for me.
Jodi Wresh
0Caprese Skewers are the most delicious appetisers and definitely recommend trying them out!
Veronica Deevers
0Perfect to serve for lunch!
Kira
0Love this recipe! I add grilled chicken pieces to mine.
Barbara
0Love the bacon addition to this classic.
carolyn
0These are a great lunch option. Made these today, very delicious. So easy to make.
Thank you
Ken K
0Another great recipe we made over the Thanksgiving break! It was very well received! Thank you for sharing!
Tina Johnson
0I love this simple delish healthy appetizer!! So delish 😁❤️🎄⛄️
Lisa Glines
0These are so fresh and delicious and so easy to make
GinnyIckle
0Looks scrumptious. I think I’ll try it with my mom’s lamb shish, though a nice thick grilled steak or pesto chicken also might be nice.
Karen
0Just so yummy in a bite size portion. Great for holidays
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!