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Elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Caprese Salad Skewers! Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, these bite-sized skewers are a vibrant nod to classic Italian flavors. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing, they’re a stunning and delicious addition to any gathering. Quick to prepare and easy to enjoy, they’re the ultimate party pleaser!

Looking for the perfect appetizer to bring to the party? Something a little different that everyone will love? Caprese Salad Skewers is your recipe!

I confess, I’m helplessly in love with the simple, delicious dish called Caprese Salad. In addition to the classic version, I already have several other variations – chopped caprese salad and green salad with tomato and mozzarella. And this variation, Caprese Salad Skewer Appetizer Bites, has everything going for it that the standard Caprese Salad does, and then some!

Why You’ll Love Caprese Salad Skewers Appetizer Bites

Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil combine to create the ultimate bite of freshness. The balsamic drizzle ties everything together with a tangy, gourmet touch.
Visually Stunning: These skewers bring the vibrant colors of the Italian flag—red, white, and green—to your table. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious!
Quick and Easy to Make: No cooking required! Just assemble and drizzle, making them perfect for last-minute preparations.
Healthy and Light: Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, these skewers are a guilt-free treat. They’re low in carbs, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual party, or a fancy dinner, these skewers are versatile and always a hit.

First, these are incredibly easy – “easy caprese” – to make! If you have little kitchen helpers, they will love helping you make these, putting a piece of cheese, a basil leaf and a half of a cherry tomato onto a toothpick skewer.

Second, they are delicious! The flavors capture the best of Italian cooking, simple yet intense.

Third, they are beautiful, sporting the vivid colors of the Italian flag, red, white and green.

Fourth, Caprese Salad, in any form, is very healthy. You know how good for you fresh tomatoes are – low calorie, lots of potassium and phytonutrients, especially lycopene, a powerful antioxidant! But there is a catch: lycopene in tomatoes is best absorbed with a little fat. The mozzarella and olive oil in this recipe provide just that!

Ingredients For Caprese Salad Skewers Appetizer Bites

Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these form the vibrant red base of the skewers.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine size) – Creamy and mild, these add the perfect touch of richness.
Fresh Basil Leaves – Aromatic and herbaceous, they bring a burst of flavor and vibrant green color.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds a silky finish and enhances the overall taste.
Balsamic Vinegar – Tangy and slightly sweet, it’s the perfect complement to the fresh ingredients.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

And, as the name suggests, Caprese Salad Skewer Appetizer Bites are the perfect party food – so easy to eat, just bite size. No muss, no fuss. If you bring these to a party, you should make twice what you think you should – they’ll disappear that fast! And did I mention they are delicious?

Caprese salad skewers recipe has been floating around Pinterest for a while, but my variation has a new twist :) Usually people put the whole cherry tomato and the whole ball of mozzarella on each skewer, but I cut them in half! Since these appetizers are supposed to be bite-size, the whole tomato and mozzarella ball are a bit too much to shove in your mouth at once :) Cutting them in half makes these skewers a perfect size to fit in your mouth in a single bite!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Caprese Salad Skewers Appetizer Bites

Toothpick Skewers – Essential for assembling the bite-sized skewers.
Knife – For cutting the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls in half.
Measuring Spoons – To measure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Small Whisk or Fork – For mixing the dressing to a smooth consistency.
Small Cup or Bowl – To combine and prepare the dressing.

You may have first had Caprese Salad in an upscale Italian restaurant, and these appetizers certainly taste “gourmet.” Indeed, Caprese Salad originated in the 1920’s on the Isle of Capri, at the 5-star luxury hotel, the Grand Hotel Quisisana, long a favorite of royalty and rock stars, politicians and poets. If a trip to the beautiful Isle of Capri with its breathtaking rocky coastline is not in your future, you can still take yourself, your family and your friends on a virtual trip to Italy, with these Caprese Salad Skewer Appetizer Bites.

So, grab one of those little boxes of cherry tomatoes and a bunch of fresh basil from the produce section, and a container of those adorable little mozzarella balls from the cheese aisle. A small bottle of a good Extra Virgin Olive Oil and some balsamic vinegar should also be in your cart if those are not staples in your pantry at home. Then, simply assemble these cute and yummy bites of Italian fresh goodness. Who knew such a simple recipe could be so divine? You’ll be making these Caprese Salad Skewer Appetizer Bites again and again!

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the skewers on a large platter for a stunning centerpiece. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
Pair these skewers with a side of cheesy garlic bread or dinner roll for a more filling appetizer spread.
Serve alongside a glass of chilled red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing pairing.
These skewers also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board or antipasto platter for variety.
For a more festive touch, garnish the plate with fresh basil leaves or edible flowers before serving.

Tips For Success

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on just a few simple ingredients, freshness is key. Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes, bright green basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella for the best results.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: These add flavor and richness to the dish, so opt for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Cut Ingredients to Size: Halving the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls ensures the skewers are truly bite-sized and easy to eat. This step also helps the flavors combine perfectly in each bite.
Assemble Skewers Evenly: Ensure each skewer has the same proportion of tomato, mozzarella, and basil for consistent flavor and presentation. It’s all about balance!
Make Ahead for Convenience: You can assemble the skewers a day in advance and refrigerate them. Wait until just before serving to drizzle the dressing, ensuring they stay fresh and vibrant.
Prevent Sogginess: If making ahead, pat the mozzarella and tomatoes dry with a paper towel before assembling to avoid extra moisture.
Double the Recipe for Parties: These skewers are crowd-pleasers and tend to disappear quickly. Prepare more than you think you’ll need if serving a group.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a Protein: For a heartier appetizer, consider wrapping the mozzarella in a thin slice of prosciutto before skewering. It adds a savory, salty touch that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
Try a Different Cheese: If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, substitute with bocconcini or even cubes of feta for a tangier flavor.
Herbal Twist: Swap out basil for fresh arugula or mint leaves for a unique flavor profile. Each herb brings a different twist to the classic Caprese.
Balsamic Glaze: Instead of balsamic vinegar, use a balsamic reduction or glaze. It’s thicker and sweeter, adding a gourmet flair.
Veggie Additions: Include a small piece of roasted red pepper or a slice of cucumber to the skewer for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Make It Vegan: Substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative to make this dish suitable for vegans.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a dash of red chili flakes or drizzle a bit of chili-infused olive oil for a spicy version.
Seasonal Touch: Incorporate seasonal ingredients like a slice of peach or watermelon in place of tomatoes for a summer-themed skewer.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: If you have leftover skewers, place them in an airtight container. To prevent them from drying out, wrap the skewers in plastic wrap before sealing the container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Refrigerating Tips: Avoid drizzling the dressing if you plan to store the skewers. Keep the olive oil and balsamic vinegar separate and add them right before serving for the freshest taste.
Reheating: These skewers are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if they’ve been in the fridge for a while, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring them to room temperature for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skewers up to one day in advance. Assemble them without the dressing, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing just before serving for the freshest flavor.

What type of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella balls, also called Ciliegine, work best for this recipe. They are the perfect size for skewers and offer a creamy, mild flavor. If you can’t find Ciliegine, you can use larger fresh mozzarella and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Grape tomatoes are slightly firmer and sweeter, making them a great substitute for cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half just as you would with cherry tomatoes for a perfect bite.

What can I use instead of toothpick skewers?

If toothpicks are not available, you can use short cocktail skewers or even small bamboo sticks. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the ingredients together.

How can I enhance the presentation?

Arrange the skewers on a platter lined with fresh basil leaves for an elegant look. You can also drizzle the platter with extra balsamic reduction or sprinkle the skewers with flaky sea salt or crushed red pepper for added flair.

Can I make these without the dressing?

Yes, the skewers are delicious on their own without the dressing. The natural flavors of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are vibrant and satisfying even without the added drizzle.

Are these skewers suitable for outdoor events?

Yes, they’re a great choice for picnics or barbecues. To keep them fresh, store them in a cooler until you’re ready to serve. Add the dressing right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

If you are looking for more finger food appetizers, check out these other epic ideas:

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms – these homemade stuffed mushrooms are truly foolproof and everyone loves them!

Bacon Wrapped Dates – sweet dates wrapped in crispy baked bacon – need I say more?

Perfect Cheese Platter – follow my easy formula in creating a perfect cheese platter on a budget!

Brie and Jam Cracker Bites – this super simple appetizer is always a hit! These crackers disappear immediately!

Honey Candied Pecans – everyone will want to dig into a bowl of these stickly little pecans, mmmm!

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