What Makes This Recipe a Favorite
Originating on the island of Capri in the Campania region of Italy, a traditional Caprese salad consists of slices of vined ripened tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, sweet basil leaves, and a drizzle of top-quality extra-virgin olive oil. This easy-to-make, no-cook appetizer captures the essence of this classic salad in a hand-held version that is as pretty to look at as it is delicious.
Essential Ingredients
Because of its simplicity, this appetizer recipe relies on quality ingredients to be a success. Here are a few notes on what you’ll need to make it.
- Cherry tomatoes: Either cherry or grape tomatoes will work for this recipe, but we prefer cherry tomatoes as they are generally more uniform in size. Look for tomatoes that are deep red in color with no wrinkles.
- Fresh mozzarella: Most supermarkets today carry fresh mozzarella balls packed in water in their specialty cheese case. For this recipe, you’ll want them to be close in size to your cherry tomatoes. If you can’t find the round version, purchase a block of fresh mozzarella and cut it into 3/4″ cubes.
- Fresh basil: Depending on how your local grocer packages fresh basil, you may need to pick up some extra to be sure you have plenty of large leaves. They’re folded up accordion style prior to skewering, so size is important.
- Balsamic glaze: Balsamic glaze is a wonderful ingredient that can be found in the condiment aisle of many supermarkets. A little goes a long way and aside from this recipe, you can use it to enhance the flavor of many meats and vegetables. You can also make your own balsamic glaze and we’ve included instructions in the recipe notes below.
How to Make Caprese Salad Skewers
This appetizer simply requires assembly rather than preparation. You can put the skewers together a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the mozzarella and basil from drying out and remove them from the fridge an hour in advance to come to room temperature for best flavor.
- Thread a cherry tomato onto each of the skewers.
- Fold the basil leaves accordion style and thread them onto the skewers, followed by a piece of fresh mozzarella and a second cherry tomato.
- Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze/reduction.
Serving Suggestions
Because the ingredients are so light and fresh, our Caprese salad appetizer is light enough to make a good starter for a hearty Italian meal. It can also be served along with other no-cook appetizers for a casual get-together, or added to an Italian-themed cheese platter.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients
- 36 cherry tomatoes
- 18 boccancini, fresh mozzarella balls
- 18 large fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze / reduction, see notes
Instructions
- Thread a cherry tomato onto each of the skewers.
- Fold the basil leaves accordion style and thread them onto the skewers, followed by a piece of fresh mozzarella and a second cherry tomato.
- Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze/reduction.
Suzie says
Great recipes I’m loving this , and definitely going to try this out for my BBQS I’m sure my kids will love it too . Thanks so much for sharing with us !!!