These super-cute Caprese skewers offer a fresh take on the classic salad combination. Transforming it into these highly snackable, very pretty and beautifully tasty canapes. They are great for a party or even as part of a sharing platter or starter plate. Just make sure you make enough as they won’t last long!
What are they?
These are, very simply, a caprese salad on a stick. The caprese salad hails from the island of Capri Italy and has been a classic salad combination for many years. It combines fresh juicy tomatoes, soft mozarella and sweet basil and is often topped with oil and sometimes balsamic vinegar.
As with much Italian food, it’s simplicity doesn’t compromise on taste. The flavours are so complementary and fresh and it’s often served on its own as a starter or appetizer rather than a side dish.
You may also notice that the colours are the same as the Italian flag – a fact that I’m sure is not accidental!
Can you make them in advance?
I recommend making these on the day you are going to serve them, although you can make them a few hours in advance. Once prepared keep them in a sealed tub in the fridge to keep them fresh. If you prepare them any further ahead then you may find that the tomatoes become soggier and that the basil leaves wilt or start to brown.
If you are going to drizzle with oil or balsamic then save this step until you are serving.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
You want to find the smaller mozzarella balls for this recipe, rather than buying a large piece and slicing it up.
The best types to look for in the supermarket are Ciliegine which are around the size of a cherry, or Bocconcini which is slightly bigger. I bet you didn’t realise there were so many sizes of mozzarella!
Ingredients
- You need 3 simple ingredients to make these Caprese skewers, plus some seasoning and optional toppings to drizzle:
- Mozarella balls (Ciliegine or Bocconcini)
- Fresh basil leaves – find the most perfect ones you can
- Cherry tomatoes – go for vine-ripened tomatoes if you can, which are more flavoursome and also tend to be a richer colour
Optional (for drizzling:)
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze – you can buy it store-bought or follow this recipe (it is very simple to make at home – trust me!). I also used a little of this lemon and parsley gremolata to drizzle over.
Equipment
- Small skewers
How to make them
Wash the tomatoes and basil leaves and drain the mozzarella.
Thread a piece of mozzarella onto the skewer and then a basil leaf, followed by a cherry tomato. If you are using very large basil leaves you may want to fold them in half.
You can also cut the bottom off the cherry tomatoes so you can stand them up on a plate.
Scatter over a little freshly milled black pepper and drizzle your choice of balsamic glaze, olive oil or balsamic vinegar over before serving.
If you are looking for other great canape ideas then check out these healthy chicken satay skewers or these stilton and grape filo tarts.
Products that work well for this recipe
Bamboo Kebab Skewers
Mera Serving Stand
Beeswax Food Wraps
Caprese Skewers
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A twist on the classic salad, these Caprese skewers are every bit as fresh and delicious. They are super cute and bite-sized, making them a perfect canape option.
The default recipe makes 4 skewers
Ingredients
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 4 basil leaves
- 4 mini mozzarella balls (ideally ciliegine size or bocconcini)
Equipment
- Small wooden skewers
Optional (for drizzling)
- balsamic glaze – recipe here
- olive oil
- parsley & lemon gremolata – recipe here
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Thread a piece of mozzarella followed by a basil leaf, followed by the cherry tomato on each skewer. Mill some freshly ground black pepper over them.
- Serve the skewers with a drizzle of oil, glaze or balsamic based on your preferences.
Notes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can and avoid any pieces with imperfections
- If you can buy vine-ripened tomatoes then you will find them more vibrant and also flavoursome
- Calorie count does not include any drizzles/toppings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Canape
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 23
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: caprese, salad, skewer, italian, vegetarian, healthy, basil, mozzarella, tomato
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