Name: Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. They provide a burst of sweetness and juicy texture that is essential to the Caprese flavor. You can use red, yellow, or a mix for visual appeal.; Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 ounces): Look for small, fresh mozzarella balls, often labeled as “pearls” or “ciliegine.” These are the perfect size for skewers and offer a mild, milky flavor that complements the tomatoes and basil. If using larger mozzarella balls, you can cut them into bite-sized cubes.; Fresh Basil Leaves (1 bunch): Fresh basil leaves are crucial for the authentic Caprese taste. Select vibrant green leaves that are fragrant and without blemishes. Small to medium-sized leaves are ideal for folding and threading onto skewers.; Balsamic Glaze (1/4 cup): Balsamic glaze, also known as balsamic reduction, provides a sweet and tangy drizzle that elevates the skewers. You can buy pre-made glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.; Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and flavor. It helps to coat the ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the skewers.; Salt (to taste): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.; Black Pepper (to taste): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.; Wooden or Bamboo Skewers (6-8 inch): Use wooden or bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning if grilling or broiling (though not necessary for this recipe as it’s served fresh, soaking still helps).

Ingredients

Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. They provide a burst of sweetness and juicy texture that is essential to the Caprese flavor. You can use red, yellow, or a mix for visual appeal.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (8 ounces): Look for small, fresh mozzarella balls, often labeled as “pearls” or “ciliegine.” These are the perfect size for skewers and offer a mild, milky flavor that complements the tomatoes and basil. If using larger mozzarella balls, you can cut them into bite-sized cubes.
Fresh Basil Leaves (1 bunch): Fresh basil leaves are crucial for the authentic Caprese taste. Select vibrant green leaves that are fragrant and without blemishes. Small to medium-sized leaves are ideal for folding and threading onto skewers.
Balsamic Glaze (1/4 cup): Balsamic glaze, also known as balsamic reduction, provides a sweet and tangy drizzle that elevates the skewers. You can buy pre-made glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and flavor. It helps to coat the ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the skewers.
Salt (to taste): A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
Black Pepper (to taste): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Wooden or Bamboo Skewers (6-8 inch): Use wooden or bamboo skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to prevent burning if grilling or broiling (though not necessary for this recipe as it’s served fresh, soaking still helps).

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Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This removes any dirt or residue and ensures they are ready to be skewered.
Prepare the Mozzarella: If using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into bite-sized cubes, approximately the same size as the cherry tomatoes. If using pearl mozzarella, drain any excess liquid from the container.
Prepare the Basil: Gently wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry. If the basil leaves are large, you can fold them in half or thirds to make them easier to thread onto the skewers and to create a more compact and visually appealing skewer.
Assemble the Skewers: Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a skewer and begin threading the ingredients. A classic Caprese combination is tomato, mozzarella, and basil. You can arrange them in different patterns for visual interest. For example:
- Tomato, Basil Leaf (folded), Mozzarella Ball
- Mozzarella Ball, Basil Leaf (folded), Tomato
- Tomato, Mozzarella Ball, Basil Leaf (folded), Tomato
Repeat this pattern until the skewer is nicely filled, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling. Aim for about 3-4 of each ingredient per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and the desired portion size. Be gentle when threading to avoid piercing the tomatoes and mozzarella too forcefully.
Arrange on a Platter: Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them neatly on a serving platter. A platter with a slight lip will help keep them from rolling off.
Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the skewers generously with extra virgin olive oil. Then, drizzle with balsamic glaze in a decorative pattern – you can do straight lines, zigzags, or swirls. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the other flavors.
Season: Sprinkle the skewers with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This enhances all the flavors and brings them together.
Serve Immediately: Caprese Salad Skewers are best served immediately or within a couple of hours of assembly. This ensures the tomatoes are fresh, the mozzarella is creamy, and the basil is vibrant. If making ahead, see the “Additional Tips” section for storage advice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 250
Sodium: 250
Fat: 20
Carbohydrates: 7
Protein: 12