The irresistible flavor profile of Caprese skewers is the trifecta of a summer garden bounty. Fresh from the vine tomatoes and homegrown basil, paired with creamy mozzarella? Yes, please!
It doesn’t matter if you prefer to bring home a fresh haul of produce from your favorite market or snip fresh herbs from the backyard or kitchen (if you need gardening inspo, here are a few of the fastest-growing herbs that thrive indoors). Store-bought and/or homegrown basil works beautifully for these Caprese salad skewers.
With a short and humble list of ingredients and minimal prep time (think less than 15 minutes all in), this affordable, easy and crowd-pleasing dish has become a summer staple for many households.
These skewers are served cold and easy to make and take for dinner parties, along with our other favorite barbecue dinner side. Or store and serve them at home when you’re ready. Plus, who wants to heat the kitchen in the summertime anyway?
Caprese Skewer Ingredients
- Grape-sized tomatoes: If you have tomato plants, fresh is always best! For testing purposes, we used a mix of smaller cherry-type tomatoes, including Chocolate Sprinkles, Chocolate Cherry, Super Sweet 100 and Sun Gold (Yellow Pear works, too). If you are using store-bought tomatoes, opt for a local farmer’s market.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese balls: Marinated mozzarella balls bring a burst of flavor to this dish. Make sure to drain them before using, and trust us, it’s a game-changer! Be sure you select cheese balls over the larger mozzarella slices.
- Basil leaves: Again, fresh is best, and basil plants are some of the easiest herbs to grow. Here are a bunch of basil varieties to inspire you. For this recipe, Genovese basil is best (this is the classic Italian basil). The lovely green color is also a wonderful contrast to the vibrant reds and yellows of the tomatoes. For a twist, you can also try lemon basil or Thai sweet basil.
- Olive oil: For testing purposes, we used extra virgin olive oil.
- Balsamic vinegar: Opt for high-quality balsamic vinegar, if possible. As you will only use olive oil and balsamic vinegar sparingly, it’s easier to justify spending more for the better stuff.
Directions
Step 1: Assemble the skewers
One piece at a time, pierce the center of each ingredient and slide to the top of the skewer. Start with mozzarella, then layer with basil, and a tomato, then repeat sequence, ending with the second mozzarella ball. Each skewer should have two mozzarella balls, two tomatoes and three basil leaves.
Editor’s Tip: The skewers will look best (and also stay in place) when you finish each end with a mozzarella ball.
Step 2: Make the dressing
Lightly drizzle the skewers with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Finish with fresh cracked pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Caprese Skewer Variation
- Mix it up with melon and prosciutto: Mozzarella also shines when served with another delightful summery pairing,