Easy Fresh Caprese Salad Skewers Recipe with Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers, drizzled with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fresh snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (for balsamic glaze reduction, optional)
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers (serves about 10-20 people as appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), small-curd preferred
- 20 fresh basil leaves, whole
- ½ cup balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 20 wooden or bamboo skewers, 4-inch size
Instructions
- Rinse about 20 cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat dry. Slice each tomato in half if preferred for smaller bites or leave whole.
- In a mixing bowl, gently toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Drain mozzarella balls thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess.
- Take a wooden skewer and thread one cherry tomato (or half if sliced), one fresh basil leaf (folded in half if large), and one mozzarella ball. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
- Optional: In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer until it thickens and reduces by half (about 10 minutes). Let cool before drizzling.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the skewers just before serving. Add a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes and a final crack of black pepper.
- Serve immediately to keep basil vibrant and mozzarella creamy.
Notes
Pat mozzarella dry to avoid sogginess. Assemble skewers just before serving or keep glaze separate until serving to maintain freshness. Homemade balsamic glaze is sweeter and less acidic than store-bought. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese and use maple-balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese salad, skewers, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy recipe, party food