This caprese salad skewers recipe is destined to be a huge hit at your next dinner party. This is a fun adaptation of the classic caprese salad recipe.
Okay, can we discuss this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and balsamic just go really well together. I think that they were made for another.
We serve a version of caprese salad at some many of our parties. Our friends are always so overjoyed. Honestly, we kinda have them trained now and if we don’t serve it, I think that they are secretly disappointed.
I guess we all have our food traditions don’t we??!!
The problem with traditional caprese salad is that you are forced to eat with a fork and knife. This nice and all BUT if you want some casual finger foods to serve you need an alternative. This where this caprese salad skewers recipe comes into play.
How to make caprese salad skewers?
You only need a few ingredients to create these appetizers: cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, mini mozzarella balls, balsamic vinegar and 6” wooden skewers.
About the skewers- The length of your skewers can vary. I try and keep bamboo skewers on hand and generally just pick them up at the grocery store. I recommend picking up various sizes and keeping them in a drawer. They are quite handy for grilling and other recipes.
About the tomatoes - While it isn’t required I like using red and yellow cherry tomatoes for this recipe. They look fantastic with a mixture of the colors.
About the balsamic glaze - While it won’t disrupt the taste at all, it is best to drizzle the balsamic after it has cooled. If the balsamic is hot when you drizzle it over the mozzarella it could melt it a bit. That will make it a bit sloppier when eating it.
First you will want to get the balsamic glaze started. This can be cooking while you prepare the skewers.
To get started add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan. Turn the temperature to medium-high heat. Allow the vinegar to come to a boil. Then stir it and turn the temp to low and allow it to simmer. Stir the vinegar occasionally and continue to simmer until the liquid reduces by half. Once the glaze is reduced remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Now let’s assemble the skewers. First make sure that you wash and dry your cherry tomatoes. Then thread a skewer starting with a red tomato. Next fold a basil leaf in half and then thread it on the skewer. Add one mini mozzarella ball and another folded basil leaf. Finish off the skewer with an orange tomato.
Continue threading skewers until you have finished out 16 of them.
Finish the appetizer by drizzling the skewers with the balsamic glaze. As a final option drizzle a small bit of extra virgin olive oil over the glaze.
Serve and enjoy!
What is a caprese salad?
A caprese salad is a simple salad that is made out of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. It is often drizzled with olive oil and sometimes a balsamic reduction. It is generally served as an appetizer.
Can you make caprese salad skewers ahead of time?
Yes you can make your caprese salad skewers ahead of time. However, wait until you are ready to serve the appetizer to drizzle the balsamic glaze over top of them. If you are going to pre-make your skewers just put them prepared on a plate or pan and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This will preserve them for 24 hours.
What if you can’t find small mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find the small mozzarella balls at your grocery don’t worry about it. You can buy one of the large mozzarella balls and slice it into small chunks. It seems to be a complete hit or miss at our grocery store and this is what I do quite often.
How to tell if a mozzarella ball has gone bad?
The first step to see if mozzarella balls have gone bad is to look for mold. If the cheese has turned you will likely see mold forming. If you see this then throw the cheese away. Second smell the cheese for a foul odor that smells like sour milk. If your cheese smells like sour milk it should not be consumed.
Caprese Salad Skewers Recipe (With Balsamic Glaze)
A variation on a popular appetizer. These caprese salad skewers are a fun option for any dinner party.
Ingredients
- 16 red cherry tomatoes
- 16 orange cherry tomatoes
- 32 basil leaves
- 16 mini-mozzarella balls
- 1 C. balsamic vinegar
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Make the balsamic glaze. Add the vinegar to a saucepan. Turn the pan to medium-high heat and bring the vinegar to a boil. Then turn the heat down to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the balsamic is reduced by 1/3 .
- Thread a skewer starting with a red tomato. Next fold a basil leaf in half and then thread it on the skewer. Add one mini mozzarella ball and another folded basil leaf. Finish off the skewer with an orange tomato.
- Remove the balsamic glaze from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Place the assembled skewers on a serving plate or tray.
- Drizzle the skewers with the balsamic glaze. Optionally, drizzle the skewers with olive oil.
- Serve right away!
Sometimes we will just make caprese salad and have it for dinner. It is so yummy and actually quite filling. While we consider this an appetizer, you can also turn it into a meal. Besides, who doesn’t love having appetizers for dinner? We sure do!
