These caprese salad skewers are the kind of appetizer that never fails to impress.

With vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves all stacked on skewers and drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect for entertaining, holidays, or a simple summer snack, they bring a taste of Italy to every bite—with zero cooking required.

Why You’ll Love These Caprese Salad Skewers

No cooking needed – fast, fresh, and fail-proof

Beautiful presentation – colorful and classy on any platter

Light and healthy – naturally gluten-free and low-carb

Perfect for parties – ideal finger food

Can be prepped ahead – assemble now, serve later

Endlessly customizable – add fruit, cured meats, or different cheeses

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Cherry or grape tomatoes – juicy, sweet, and bite-sized

Mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini) – creamy and mild

Fresh basil leaves – whole leaves for flavor and aroma

Olive oil – adds richness and depth

Salt & pepper – a pinch goes a long way

Balsamic glaze – for sweet-tart perfection

Toothpicks or mini skewers – for easy serving

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use room temp tomatoes for the best flavor

Dry mozzarella before assembling to avoid watery skewers

Roll or fold large basil leaves for a neater look

Chill skewers after assembling but drizzle glaze just before serving

Choose high-quality balsamic glaze or reduce vinegar at home

How to Make Caprese Salad Skewers

Prep the ingredients
Rinse and dry the tomatoes and basil.

Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels.

Assemble the skewers

Thread one cherry tomato onto a toothpick, followed by a basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball.

Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Arrange and season

Place the skewers on a serving platter.

Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Add balsamic glaze

Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Serve immediately or chill for up to 24 hours.

What to Serve It With

Charcuterie boards – with meats, olives, and crackers

Grilled meats or fish – as a refreshing side

Sparkling wine or Prosecco – balances the acidity and richness

Flatbread or crostini – for a more filling appetizer

Fruit platters – for a sweet and savory combo

Variations / Substitutions

Add prosciutto or salami between tomato and cheese

Swap mozzarella for marinated feta or goat cheese

Use heirloom tomatoes for extra color and flavor

Add melon or peaches for a sweet twist

Drizzle with pesto instead of balsamic for a herbal finish

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days

Best served fresh – basil and mozzarella taste better at room temp

Don’t freeze – fresh ingredients lose texture

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the skewers and refrigerate, then season just before serving

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

Add olive oil and glaze right before serving.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of mini balls?
Yes! Cut it into bite-sized cubes for similar results.

Is balsamic vinegar the same as balsamic glaze?
No—glaze is thicker and sweeter.

You can reduce balsamic vinegar at home to make glaze.

What kind of skewers work best?
Toothpicks or 4-inch appetizer sticks are perfect for bite-sized skewers.

How do I keep the basil from wilting?
Layer basil between the tomato and cheese to prevent exposure and drying.

Are these vegetarian and gluten-free?
Yes—these are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.

Can I serve these warm?
They’re best served cold or at room temperature.

Heating will wilt the basil and melt the cheese.

Final Thoughts

These caprese salad skewers are everything I love in a great appetizer—fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free.

They look beautiful on the table, taste amazing, and take minutes to make.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a snack for two, they’re always a hit.