Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe (No Cook Vegetarian Appetizer)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
Jump to Recipe Watch VideoThese mini caprese skewers are a fantastic make ahead appetizer – with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and a simple vinegar and oil marinade. This no-cook recipe is ready in just 5 minutes, making this a easy dish to bring to a party, BBQ, or cookout!
Want more easy appetizers? Try our plum ricotta bruschetta, our plant-based lettuce wraps with chickpeas, or our sweet & spicy pineapple pico de gallo salsa.
Whenever we have guests for a party, I always whip up a batch of these delicious tomato mozzarella bites before everyone got to the house. When I say these are my go-to appetizer, I mean I make these every time I entertain. Everyone loves them, they are fancy, and these little vegetarian skewers always go fast.
Not only are these caprese skewers delicious – they are perfect finger food for guests. Everyone can grab a few of their own skewers, and join the party.
I’ve made a larger version with full-sized skewers, but I find that these bites with mini toothpicks are the perfect amount. Just 1 tomato, a basil leaf, and 1 mozzarella ball are the perfect bite!
Why This Recipe Works
- It has classic Italian caprese flavors: tomato, basil, and mozzarella.
- These bites are fresh and herby, making them crowd favorites.
- Ready in 10 minutes, with a few simple ingredients!
- These caprese bites are easy to make, for cooks of any skill level.
- They make a great make-ahead appetizer, any time of year!
Make-Ahead Appetizers
This mini Caprese skewers recipe is fantastic to make ahead of time for a party, potluck, or gathering. Making this recipe in advance allows you to skip any cooking or prep when guests arrive.
I make this easy vegetarian appetizer every time we have guests over – and it always goes fast! It’s great all year long – whether your entertaining in February, July, or December, these mini tomato basil skewers always hit the spot.
Want more make-ahead appetizers? Try our vegan sour cream and onion dip and our retro deviled eggs with olives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherry Tomatoes – which are the perfect size on these toothpicks! You can also use grape tomatoes instead.
- Fresh Basil – I love buying a big package of fresh basil, and using the extra leaves to make my favorite pesto sauce with almonds.
- Fresh Mozzarella – I used ciliegine mozzarella (which means cherry-sized) the same size as the tomatoes.
- Aged Balsamic Vinegar: I use an aged balsamic vinegar because it has a really great flavor and a nice consistency for this recipe!
- Really Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea salt & black pepper
How To Make This Recipe
Be sure to visit the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!
Step 1: Take a toothpick and skewer a tomato, a basil leaf, and the mozzarella on the bottom (so the mozzarella can marinate).
Step 2: Place the mini skewers in a dish with at least a 1-inch lip. Repeat until all the tomatoes/cheese are finished.
Step 3: Pour the balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the skewers, and add salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve immediately, or make up to 24 hours ahead of time.
How To Grow Basil Indoors, All Year!
Fresh basil is one of the key ingredients in this fresh appetizer recipe.
We got this great countertop Aerogarden which is fantastic for growing herbs in the winter. We actually got it when we lived in a smaller apartment, but even now that we own an acreage we still use it year-round!
I love growing herbs on my countertop like fresh basil, dill, mint, sage, thyme, parsley, and lemon balm – perfect for this cucumber salad. It uses LED lights and water, so no messy soil needed – you can have fresh herbs at your fingertips any time.
I love picking a few springs of parsley to chop on pastas, adding basil leaves to soups, and tossing some dill in with my pasta salads. It also makes a great gift for anyone who would like fresh herbs… no big kitchen or green thumb required!
Make Ahead Appetizers You May Enjoy
- Whole Wheat Garlic Knots
- Beet Feta Walnut Salad
- Turmeric Hummus Recipe with Black Pepper
- Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce
Let’s connect on social!
If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
Mini Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine
- 16 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 4 ounces fresh basil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Wash your tomatoes, drain the mozzarella, and pick the basil leaves from the stem.
- Take a toothpick and skewer a tomato, a basil leaf, and the mozzarella on the bottom (so the mozzarella can marinate).
- Place the mini skewers in a dish with at least a 1-inch lip. Repeat until all the tomatoes/cheese are finished.
- Pour the balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the skewers, and add salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, or make up to 24 hours ahead of time.
Video
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate programs, at no additional cost to you. Please read our privacy policy for more information.
Yummy