Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: About 1 pint, choose ripe and firm cherry tomatoes. Their sweetness provides a burst of flavor and their small size is perfect for skewers.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 8 ounces, these small mozzarella balls are the ideal size for skewers and offer a creamy, mild counterpoint to the tomatoes and balsamic.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 bunch, look for bright green, fragrant basil leaves. Fresh basil is crucial for the authentic Caprese flavor and aroma.
- Balsamic Glaze: ½ cup, store-bought for convenience or homemade for a richer flavor. Balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet depth and beautiful visual appeal.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and provides a slight sheen to the skewers.
- Salt: Pinch, to enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to add a subtle spice and depth.
- Wooden Skewers: Approximately 24-30 mini skewers, depending on how many components you place on each skewer. Soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning if grilling (though grilling is optional here).
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Gently wash the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. If using larger bocconcini mozzarella, you may want to halve or quarter them if they are significantly larger than your cherry tomatoes to ensure a balanced bite. For ciliegine mozzarella, they are usually the perfect size and can be used whole.
- Prepare the Basil Leaves: Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them completely dry. If the basil leaves are large, you can fold them in half or roll them up slightly to make them more skewer-friendly and visually appealing.
- Assemble the Skewers: Now comes the fun part – assembling the skewers! Take a wooden skewer and start threading the ingredients. A classic and visually pleasing order is: cherry tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball. Repeat this pattern one or two more times depending on the length of your skewers and your desired presentation. You can also vary the order if you prefer, for example, mozzarella, basil, tomato. Ensure you leave a little space at each end of the skewer for easy handling.
- Arrange on a Platter: Once all the skewers are assembled, arrange them neatly on a serving platter. This is a good time to admire the vibrant colors and the simple elegance of your creation.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season: Lightly drizzle the skewers with extra virgin olive oil. This adds a touch of richness and helps the flavors meld together. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the skewers to enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Generously drizzle the balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers in a decorative pattern. You can use a spoon, a squeeze bottle, or even a plastic bag with a corner snipped off for more controlled drizzling. The balsamic glaze adds a beautiful visual contrast and the essential sweet and tangy element of a Caprese salad.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: Mini Caprese skewers are best served fresh. However, you can prepare them a few hours ahead of time. If preparing in advance, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving to prevent it from making the basil leaves soggy.
- Optional Grilling (for a Warm Variation): For a warm and slightly smoky twist, you can lightly grill the assembled skewers. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until the mozzarella starts to soften slightly and get grill marks. Be careful not to over-grill, as the mozzarella can melt quickly. Drizzle with balsamic glaze after grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g