Caprese salad skewers make a gorgeous platter of red, white, and green skewers for a party table. These look fabulous, with juicy cherry tomatoes, pillowy fresh mozzarella, and bright basil leaves, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. And they might be the easiest thing you bring to a summer gathering all season.
I started making these a few years back when I was asked to bring an appetizer to a neighborhood cookout and didn’t want to spend my afternoon in a hot kitchen. These take twenty minutes, a handful of ingredients, and absolutely no cooking. That’s my kind of recipe.
Putting a caprese salad on a skewer turns a salad everyone already knows into something that feels a little more party-worthy. You don’t need the hassle of serving spoons, a bowl, or worrying about double-dipping. Each skewer is its own perfect, pretty little bite.
They’re also the rare appetizer that works for just about everyone at the table. Light, fresh, and made from real ingredients, they hold their own next to the chips and dip without competing for attention.
Keep reading for exactly how I make them and all my best tips. When you need something that looks put-together but won’t derail your afternoon, these easy skewers are it, perfect for anything from a graduation party to a summer cookout.
Looking for more easy appetizer ideas? Try my recipes for mini pretzel dogs, corn dip, or Italian sub sliders.
Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Cherry tomatoes: I always reach for the sweetest cherry or grape tomatoes I can find at the store. If you have a garden, even better!
- Mozzarella balls: You’ll want the small fresh mozzarella balls, sometimes called bocconcini or ciliegine. They’re usually packed in water or brine in the deli section.
- Fresh basil
- Red onion
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
How to Make Caprese Salad Skewers
- Take small metal or wooden skewers and start threading on the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and red onion pieces.
- Line up your finished skewers on a serving platter. I like to use a large rectangular platter so they all fit in a single layer, but use whatever you have on hand.
- Sprinkle the skewers with a little bit of salt and pepper to taste. Then drizzle everything with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Serving Ideas
I love making these caprese salad skewers for summer gatherings because they’re the kind of appetizer that looks impressive but takes very little time or effort. Plus, they are good for you, too!
The beauty of caprese skewers is that they work for practically any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, bringing something to a potluck, or setting up an elegant charcuterie spread for company, they fit in perfectly.
For casual entertaining, arrange the skewers on a wooden cutting board or simple platter and let guests grab them as they mingle. They go well with grilled chicken or fish, so I often serve them alongside whatever’s coming off the grill.
For a more formal setting, arrange the skewers standing upright in a tall glass or vase filled with ice. This keeps them cool while creating a striking vertical presentation that catches everyone’s eye.
The skewers also work wonderfully as part of a summer lunch spread. Pair them with crusty bread, cured meats, and cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that requires no cooking. Since the recipe makes 6 skewers, I typically double or triple the batch when I’m feeding a crowd.
How to Store
These skewers are best made the same day they are served, while the mozzarella is still creamy and the basil hasn’t started to darken. The fresh ingredients are at their peak right after assembly.
If you do have leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to one day. Keep the olive oil and balsamic vinegar separate if possible, and add them just before serving rather than drizzling them on ahead of time.
I don’t recommend making these more than a few hours in advance. The longer they sit, the more the tomato juice breaks down the mozzarella and softens the basil. Since the assembly takes just a few minutes, I usually wait until closer to serving time to thread everything together.
Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Trying to thread skewers while simultaneously chopping ingredients is a recipe for chaos in my kitchen. Set yourself up for success by prepping everything before you start assembling. Rinse your tomatoes and basil, and dice that red onion into small pieces that’ll actually fit on a skewer.
- I prefer wooden skewers that are about 6 inches long for these appetizers. They’re the perfect size for a few bites and look great on a platter.
- I like to alternate colors and textures on these skewers. Start with a tomato, add a mozzarella ball, then a folded basil leaf, and a piece of red onion. This creates visual appeal and ensures every bite has a mix of flavors. The basil can be tricky since it’s flat, so fold the leaves in half or thirds before threading.
- When it comes to the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, less is more. You want to enhance the fresh flavors, not mask them. Use a light hand and drizzle in a zigzag pattern across the skewers.
Reader Questions
I wouldn’t recommend it. While you can prep all your ingredients the night before and store them separately in the fridge, assembled skewers tend to get soggy if they sit too long. Your best bet is to assemble them within 1-2 hours of serving.
Basil is delicate and can oxidize quickly, especially after handling. To keep it looking fresh, don’t wash it until right before you’re ready to use it. Pat the leaves completely dry with paper towels. If you need to prep ahead, layer the basil leaves between damp paper towels and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Sure. Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar, so it clings to the ingredients more. If you’re using glaze, you might want to use a bit less since it’s more concentrated.
I use 6-inch wooden skewers for these appetizers. They’re long enough to hold several ingredients but short enough to eat in a few bites. Longer skewers can be awkward for guests to handle, especially at a standing cocktail party.
Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Caprese Salad Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red onion
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- ¼ cup basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Thread the skewers with tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and red onions.3 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 cup mozzarella balls, ¼ cup basil, ¼ cup red onion
- Set the skewers on a serving platter. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.Salt and pepper to taste
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil
Notes
- Trying to thread skewers while simultaneously chopping ingredients is a recipe for chaos in my kitchen. Set yourself up for success by prepping everything before you start assembling. Rinse your tomatoes and basil, and dice that red onion into small pieces that’ll actually fit on a skewer.
- I prefer wooden skewers that are about 6 inches long for these appetizers. They’re the perfect size for a few bites and look great on a platter.
- I like to alternate colors and textures on these skewers. Start with a tomato, add a mozzarella ball, then a folded basil leaf, and a piece of red onion. This creates visual appeal and ensures every bite has a mix of flavors. The basil can be tricky since it’s flat, so fold the leaves in half or thirds before threading.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
Awesome!!