A visually stunning and refreshingly simple no-cook appetizer that channels the spirit of a classic Caprese salad — reimagined into elegant bite-sized skewers.
Yields 6 Servings Servings Quarter (1.5 Serving) Half (3 Servings) Default (6 Servings) Double (12 Servings) Triple (18 Servings) Prep Time 15 minsTotal Time 15 minsFor the Skewers
20 Cherry tomatoes (red, yellow, or mixed — about 1 pint)
20 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
20 fresh basil leaves, medium-sized
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra depth
For the Balsamic Glaze
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness and thickness)
Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
1
In a small saucepan, combine:
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the glaze is reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon.
Set aside to cool slightly ; it will thicken more as it cools.
Prep the Ingredients
2
Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls with paper towels — too much moisture can cause the basil to wilt.
Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
If tomatoes are large, cut them in half for more balanced bites.
Assemble the Skewers
3
On each skewer (toothpick or small bamboo pick), thread in this order:
Repeat for all 20 skewers.
Once assembled, place skewers on a serving platter or tray .
Season & Finish
4
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled skewers.
Sprinkle with a pinch of:
Finish by drizzling or piping the balsamic glaze over each skewer, or serve it in a tiny dipping bowl on the side.
Flavor Variations
5
Swap mozzarella for feta cubes or marinated goat cheese for more tang
Add a small piece of prosciutto folded behind the tomato for a savory twist
Use balsamic pearls (molecular spheres) for a modernist flair
Pairing Suggestions
6
Wine:
White: Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Light Chianti, Dolcetto, or chilled Gamay
Sparkling: Prosecco or Lambrusco
Cocktail: Aperol spritz, basil gimlet, or limoncello tonic
Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon & mint, or chilled tomato-basil soda
Ingredients For the Skewers
20 Cherry tomatoes (red, yellow, or mixed — about 1 pint)
20 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
20 fresh basil leaves, medium-sized
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra depth
For the Balsamic Glaze
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness and thickness)
Directions Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)
1
In a small saucepan, combine:
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the glaze is reduced by about half and coats the back of a spoon.
Set aside to cool slightly ; it will thicken more as it cools.
Prep the Ingredients
2
Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls with paper towels — too much moisture can cause the basil to wilt.
Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
If tomatoes are large, cut them in half for more balanced bites.
Assemble the Skewers
3
On each skewer (toothpick or small bamboo pick), thread in this order:
Repeat for all 20 skewers.
Once assembled, place skewers on a serving platter or tray .
Season & Finish
4
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the assembled skewers.
Sprinkle with a pinch of:
Finish by drizzling or piping the balsamic glaze over each skewer, or serve it in a tiny dipping bowl on the side.
Flavor Variations
5
Swap mozzarella for feta cubes or marinated goat cheese for more tang
Add a small piece of prosciutto folded behind the tomato for a savory twist
Use balsamic pearls (molecular spheres) for a modernist flair
Pairing Suggestions
6
Wine:
White: Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Light Chianti, Dolcetto, or chilled Gamay
Sparkling: Prosecco or Lambrusco
Cocktail: Aperol spritz, basil gimlet, or limoncello tonic
Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon & mint, or chilled tomato-basil soda
Mini Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
