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.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 pint cherry tomatoes
8 oz mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini)
15–20 fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or homemade reduction)
Toothpicks or small wooden skewers
Instructions
Wash and dry tomatoes and basil. Drain mozzarella.
Assemble skewers: tomato, folded basil, mozzarella.
Arrange on a platter.
Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Add balsamic glaze before serving.
Serve chilled or at room temp.
