These Tomato Pesto Caprese Skewers are the perfect appetizer for game day, a holiday party, or just for treating yourself to a fancy snack! Mini Caprese salad skewers are easy and impressive.
Why I love this Caprese Appetizer
I love these Caprese salad skewers because they are a perfect easy appetizer or finger food snack. I am a big promoter of Jersey tomatoes during the summer months but when they are no longer in season, I go with either grape or cherry tomatoes. They are sweet even if I do not buy them at my local farmer's market. This is my "go-to" winter tomato to add to salads too.
While my husband and son concentrate on the football games in the fall, I watch casually but my main attention is to the food. Because who doesn't love food while watching football?
You probably already know that I love appetizers. I especially like them when they can be eaten in little bites. These Tomato Pesto Caprese Skewer Bites are the perfect thing to have at game day. They are light, contain basic ingredients and are so easy to make. This Caprese appetizer is the closest thing to a late bite of summer especially if you love juicy tomatoes with pesto as much as I do.
These little bites only take a few minutes to pull together so they can be made right before needed. I am never embarrassed to use store bought pesto sauce, especially not in the winter. These tasty caprese salad skewers are a fun appetizer and the little skewers always impress my guests. Place them on a pretty serving platter with some fragrant basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Tomatoes – Look for bite-sized fresh grape tomatoes or juicy cherry tomatoes.
- Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella cut into cubes or purchase mini mozzarella balls for these tasty bites.
- Pesto – Homemade pesto is great or find prepared pesto sauce in the deli or Italian aisle of your grocery store.
- Balsamic glaze or Olive Oil – Drizzle your choice over the skewers or mix and match for different flavors.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Basil is a classic Italian herb that pairs well with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Skewers – Keep it simple and use toothpicks, wooden skewers or bamboo skewers. You can also use metal skewers for a more sophisticated look
See recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full recipe.
How To Make Mini Caprese Skewers
- Cut tomatoes in half and cube the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the cheese and pesto in a bowl and stir to mix.
- Thread the skewers with a tomato half, the fresh mozzarella cheese balls and another tomato half.
- A basil leaf can be threaded onto the skewers or sprinkled over top.
- Top with a drizzle of olive oil or a balasamic reduction or glaze before serving.
Variations
- Because it's fairly simple to assemble these Caprese bites, it's super easy to slide on some other ingredients. For extra flavor, try adding olives, small pieces of salami or pepperoncinis.
- You can swap out mozzarella cheese for provolone.
- Change up the dressing in this delicious appetizer by not using pesto but an Italian vinaigrette instead.
FAQs
Mini Caprese Skewers can be made a few hours in advance but I do not recommend making them the day before because the tomatoes change texture once they are refrigerated overnite.
i never have any leftover...lol but if you do place them in a ziploc bag or an airtight plastic container and place in the fridge. They are best mixed in a salad as the tomatoes might be a bit soggy from storing in the refrigerator.
More Grape and Cherry Tomato Recipes
- Pan Roasted Swordfish with Cherry Tomatoes and Capers
- Rainbow Greek Chicken Salad
- Pinwheel Antipasto Skewers
- Heirloom Tomato and Chick Pea Salad Recipe
- Blistered Tomato Toast with Pesto and Arugula from Swirls of Flavor
Mini Caprese Skewers are such a fun and flavorful appetizer.
If you like this Caprese Salad Skewers recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Tomato Pesto Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 1 pint grape tomatoes about 24 to 26,
- 4 to 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cut in cubes
- 2 TBS prepared pesto sauce
- 24 toothpicks
- balsamic drizzle or olive oil for garnish
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cut grape tomatoes in half the long way.
- Cube the mozzarella cheese into bite size pieces to fit in the center of the tomatoes.
- Put the cheese in a bowl and mix with the pesto sauce.
- Thread a tomato half, one piece of cheese, and another tomato half onto the toothpicks. Place toothpicks in a shallow serving dish. Garnish the plate with balsamic drizzle or extra virgin olive oil. Basil leaves can be sprinkled over the dish or threaded onto the skewers.
Notes
Nutrition
First Published January 2013; Last November 2021
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Colleen (Souffle Bombay)
YUM! I love it when these turn up at a party - I feel a little better about balancing my app intake that way, lol! These look scrumptious!
Shaina
Yum, love this twist on the caprese salad! Oh and btw ... I'm with the rest of your family - Eagles!
Cindy
I could easily pop about 20 of these into my mouth right now. They look delicious!
Renee
Wow! How fun are those? I love to make pesto and nothing says summer like tomatoes! I could use a bit of sun right now and these tasty bites would about just do it for me! Thanks for sharing! Yum!
Mary Kay
My favorite! And bite size with pesto - even better!
Lauryn
LOVE this! These are perfect for any time of the year. I can't wait to try these at the next party!!
Heather M
LOVE! Such a great idea and way to change up the classic Tomato Caprese. I cannot wait to try these.
Kim
I'm a fan of ANYTHING on a stick. Great appetizer idea. Can't wait to make this.
Adri
What a wonderful appetizer!
Joanne
Set a platter of these down in front of the superbowl and even I might sit there and watch it! Yum!
patsy
It doesn't matter who is playing when the food is tasty! I think many people watch the games just so that they can enjoy all the appetizers and snacks! These look too good to pass up!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings
YUM! a healthy addition to game day snacks but still delicious!
ciaochowlinda
I have plenty of pesto in the freezer looking for a good home. I do love the way you've cut these in half.
Danielle
These are gorgeous and look delicious!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl
Perfect appetizers, I'd take a few! 😉
vanillasugarblog
Reminds me of summer.
Which I can't wait for btw.
Pam
What a perfect appetizer! They look terrific.
Roz
I can't resist caprese recipes and love your presentation idea of individual bites! For a party of people watching the games, this is so much easier than needing a fork and knife! Love the drizzles of balsamic vinegar on the plate!
Teri 2 The Freshman Cook
I love these any time of year! Perfect for Super Bowl! I am hosting a Super Bowl Eats and Treats Linky Party, and I would love if you would link your recipe up. You can link others as well, and as many as you like. They can be appetizers, desserts, crafts, party ideas, sandwiches, anything that says "Super Bowl" to you! We'd love to have you! http://www.thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2014/01/super-bowl-linky-party.html