Name: Caprese Salad Skewers
Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes: About 1 pint, these provide a burst of sweetness and juicy texture. Look for ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and to prevent them from splitting on the skewers. Their vibrant red color is also key to the visual appeal of the skewers.; Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): 8 ounces, these small, bite-sized mozzarella balls offer a creamy and mild cheese flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Opt for fresh mozzarella packed in water for the best taste and texture. Drain them well before using.; Fresh Basil Leaves: A large bunch, these fragrant leaves bring a touch of peppery, slightly sweet flavor that is essential to the classic Caprese taste. Choose fresh, vibrant green basil leaves. Smaller leaves are ideal for folding neatly on the skewers.; Balsamic Glaze: 1/4 cup, this thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and tangy depth to the skewers. It beautifully balances the richness of the mozzarella and the acidity of the tomatoes. You can buy pre-made balsamic glaze or easily make your own.; Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, this high-quality olive oil adds a fruity richness and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.; Salt: To taste, enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.; Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter, more aromatic flavor.; Wooden or Metal Skewers: 6-8 inch skewers, these are needed to assemble the Caprese Salad Skewers. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning if grilling or broiling. Metal skewers are reusable and can be chilled beforehand for an extra refreshing touch.

Ingredients

Here are the simple, fresh ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful Caprese Salad Skewers:

Cherry Tomatoes: About 1 pint, these provide a burst of sweetness and juicy texture. Look for ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and to prevent them from splitting on the skewers. Their vibrant red color is also key to the visual appeal of the skewers.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): 8 ounces, these small, bite-sized mozzarella balls offer a creamy and mild cheese flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Opt for fresh mozzarella packed in water for the best taste and texture. Drain them well before using.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A large bunch, these fragrant leaves bring a touch of peppery, slightly sweet flavor that is essential to the classic Caprese taste. Choose fresh, vibrant green basil leaves. Smaller leaves are ideal for folding neatly on the skewers.
Balsamic Glaze: 1/4 cup, this thick, syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and tangy depth to the skewers. It beautifully balances the richness of the mozzarella and the acidity of the tomatoes. You can buy pre-made balsamic glaze or easily make your own.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, this high-quality olive oil adds a fruity richness and enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
Salt: To taste, enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the sweetness. Sea salt or kosher salt works best.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: 6-8 inch skewers, these are needed to assemble the Caprese Salad Skewers. Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning if grilling or broiling. Metal skewers are reusable and can be chilled beforehand for an extra refreshing touch.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your perfect Caprese Salad Skewers:

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by thoroughly washing the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the balsamic glaze and olive oil adhere better to the ingredients. Drain the fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) from their packaging and pat them dry as well. Excess water can make the skewers soggy.
Soak Wooden Skewers (if using): If you are using wooden skewers, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This step prevents the wood from burning if you decide to briefly grill or broil the skewers, and it also helps to prevent them from splintering.
Assemble the Skewers: Now for the fun part – assembling the Caprese Salad Skewers! Take a skewer and start by threading a cherry tomato onto it. Next, fold a fresh basil leaf in half, and then in half again, creating a small, neat square. Thread the folded basil leaf onto the skewer, following the tomato. Then, carefully thread a mozzarella ball onto the skewer. Repeat this pattern – tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball – until the skewer is nicely filled, leaving a little space at each end for easy handling. Aim for about 3-4 tomatoes, 3-4 basil leaves (folded), and 3-4 mozzarella balls per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and your desired portion size. Make sure to arrange the ingredients attractively, alternating colors and textures for a visually appealing skewer.
Arrange on a Serving Platter: Once all the skewers are assembled, carefully arrange them on a serving platter or plate. Space them out so they are easy to grab and admire.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and Olive Oil: Right before serving, generously drizzle the balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers. The balsamic glaze adds a beautiful sheen and that signature sweet and tangy flavor. Follow with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a touch of richness and moisture.
Season and Serve: Season the Caprese Salad Skewers with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final seasoning step brings all the flavors together and elevates the taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your Caprese Salad Skewers! If you are not serving immediately, cover loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. However, it’s best to assemble and drizzle just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300
Sodium: 300
Fat: 22
Protein: 15