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 light appetizer or snack and are especially good when game watching. I am a big promoter of Jersey tomatoes 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 locally. 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, fresh and so easy to make. This Caprese appetizer is the closest thing to a late bite of summer especially if you love 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.
Ingredients Needed
- Tomatoes – Look for bite-sized grape or cherry tomatoes.
- Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella cut into cubes or purchase mozzarella balls.
- Pesto – Homemade pesto is great or find prepared pesto sauce in the deli or Italian aisle of your grocery store.
- Balsamic or Olive Oil – Drizzle your choice over the skewers or mix and match for different flavors.
- Fresh Basil – Basil is a classic Italian herb that pairs well with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Skewers – Keep it simple and use toothpicks or use bamboo or metal skewers for a more sophisticated look.
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, mozzarella and another tomato half.
- Basil can be threaded onto the skewers or sprinkled over top.
- Drizzle with olive oil or balasamic glaze before serving.
Tomato Pesto Caprese Skewers - FAQ
Picking the best tomatoes?
- Perfect tomatoes look plump and juicy, and their skins are smooth.
- The skin should be free of bump or bruises, but some cracking near the stem is perfectly normal.
- Ripe tomatoes have a lovely fragrance to them. If there’s no aroma whatsoever, this could mean the tomato was picked before it was ready and won’t ever ripen properly.
- Planning on using the tomatoes right away? Try to pick ones that are soft to the touch. But if you aren't planning to make your Caprese skewer bites for a couple of days, aim for tomatoes that are a bit firmer.
- Experiment with different colored tomatoes. I love heirloom cherry tomatoes and they make the skewers look so pretty.
Can I make Caprese skewers in advance?
- 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.
- If you do have leftovers, place them in a ziploc bag or an airtight plastic container and place in the fridge. If you do eat the leftovers the next day, they are perfect to use in a pasta salad or other salad with dressing.
Caprese Skewer Variations
- Because it's fairly simple to assemble these Caprese appetizer bites, it's super easy to slide on some other ingredients.
- If the pesto isn't enough basil for you, of course you can throw on some fresh basil leaves as well. Mint would also make a refreshing and fragrant flavor addition.
- For some extra sweetness, use peach slices alongside the tomatoes when they are in season.
- Olives could be a great addition and add a nice salty touch to these Caprese salad skewers.
- Pine nuts are one of the key ingredients in pesto, but if you're looking for more of their floral, nutty flavor, try crushing some up and sprinkling them on top after drizzling with olive oil or the balsamic glaze.
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