Kelly JensenThese 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 and has only 6 ingredients total, making this a easy dish to bring to a party, BBQ, or cookout!
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.
I had some friends over this weekend to watch my all time favorite movie (Hard Ticket to Hawaii anyone?!) and whipped up a batch of these delicious skewers before everyone got to the house. When I say these are my go-to appetizer, I mean I make these every time I have people over. Everyone loves them, they are fancy, and these little vegetarian skewers always go fast.
Not only are these caprese skewers delicious – they are absolutely perfect finger food for guests. We’re always mindful (especially now!) to serve guests with individual snacks instead of communal bowls. 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!
These Mini Caprese Skewers Are
- Bright
- Fresh
- Herby
- Tangy
- Easy to Prep
- Great to Make Ahead
- Vegetarian & Gluten Free!
A Great Make-Ahead Avocado Pasta Salad for Entertaining
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 on the day-of.
This is a great recipe to entertain with, or bring to an event. A crowd-pleaser that everyone is sure to love! Check out my other make ahead meals too.
What’s In These Mini Tomato Basil Skewers?
I cook with fresh produce from my garden and from Misfits Market– they sell fantastic fruit, vegetables, & pantry staples at a discounted price. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out favorite produce for delivery. Get $10 off your first box here!
- Cherry Tomatoes – which are the perfect size on these toothpicks!
- 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 this aged balsamic vinegar because it has a really great flavor and a nice consistency for this recipe!
- Really Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to use this fruity olive oil which has a fantastic flavor.
- Salt & Tellicherry Peppercorns: It’s amazing the flavor difference you can get with really good tellicherry black pepper. Amazon has a generic brand tellicherry peppercorn which is the same price is buying pre-ground, and will add way more flavor to your recipes.
A No-Cook Appetizer Recipe That’s Perfect for Summer
This no-cook mini Caprese skewers recipe is a quick and simple starter. I love a good no-cook recipe for those days when I’m not feeling like standing around the stove, or for summer nights when it’s too hot to cook. I have a whole collection of recipes that require zero cooking at all, check them out here!
These skewers come together in about 5-10 minutes, and doesn’t require the stove or microwave to make. Just use a few pantry staple ingredients and you have an easy meal ready in no time. And very little to clean up afterwards… an added bonus!
How Do I Make These Individual Tomato Basil Skewers?
- 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.
How To Grow Basil Indoors, All Year!
We got this great 6-Pod 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.
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. This Aerogarden is a great gift for anyone who would like fresh herbs… no big kitchen or green thumb required!
More Make Ahead Appetizers Your Guests Will Love!
Turmeric Hummus Recipe with Black Pepper
Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Sauce
Orzo Pesto Salad Recipe (Vegetarian)
Share These Mini Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers
As always, if you make this vegetarian and gluten free mini Caprese skewers recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!
Let’s keep in touch – make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get free recipe inspiration.
And don’t forget to follow over on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok – I’d love to connect with you there!
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 olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
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
Notes
Save Money on Groceries, Pantry Staples, and Cleaning Supplies!
I love shopping for groceries and pantry staples through Thrive Market – they sell non-toxic cleaning supplies, natural beauty products, and pantry staple groceries (even wine!) at a super discounted price. We get Thrive Market boxes every month and love picking out our favorite seasonal staples for delivery. Join Thrive Market & get 30% off your purchase & a $60 free gift!Nutrition
Or tag me @theherbeevore in your photo on Instagram!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that support The Herbeevore and our beehives!
Pingback:Peach Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Honey
Pingback:Mini Caprese Skewers ❤️?? #shorts #appetizer - Food Recipe
Yummy