Fresh Caprese Skewers with Zesty Pesto Drizzle
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, finished with a zesty pesto drizzle that adds a fresh, tangy flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 skewers (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 6–8 inch wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes if grilling or broiling
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto drizzle: In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto with lemon zest and toasted pine nuts. Stir gently to blend and set aside.
- Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Pat dry with a kitchen towel to avoid watery skewers.
- Drain the mozzarella balls and gently pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, followed by a fresh basil leaf (folded if large), then a mozzarella ball, and finish with another basil leaf or tomato if desired. Each skewer should have 3-4 bites.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter neatly.
- Drizzle the skewers lightly with the zesty pesto using a spoon, coating the cheese and tomato for maximum flavor.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the skewers to taste.
- Optional: For a warm twist, briefly place skewers under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to toast pine nuts further and slightly soften mozzarella.
Notes
Keep ingredients dry to avoid soggy skewers. Assemble close to serving time and add pesto drizzle just before serving. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. For vegan option, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese and use nut-free pesto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers per servin
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, pesto drizzle, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy party food, quick snack