Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy 5-Minute Basil Pesto Drizzle
A quick and easy appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on toothpicks, elevated by a vibrant basil pesto drizzle. Perfect for gatherings or light snacks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 20 toothpicks or small skewers
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, to thin pesto drizzle)
- Salt, a pinch (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, a pinch (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of basil pesto with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to make a smooth drizzle.
- Season the tomatoes: Place the cherry tomatoes in a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, followed by a fresh basil leaf (folded in half if large), then a mozzarella ball onto each toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange the assembled skewers neatly on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the pesto mixture evenly over the skewers using a spoon or small squeeze bottle.
- Optionally, garnish with extra torn basil leaves or a pinch of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately or keep chilled for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
Assemble skewers close to serving time to keep basil and mozzarella fresh. Drizzle pesto just before serving to avoid sogginess. For vegan or dairy-free options, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu and use dairy-free pesto. Store leftovers without pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Caprese skewers, appetizer, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, easy recipe, quick snack, party food, vegetarian