Super Simple, Caprese Salad Party Skewers
Dainty caprese salad party skewers with sweet balsamic glaze are one of the easiest, elegant appetizers to make for a cocktail party, shower, or DIY wedding. Skewers are assembled in advance and can be modified to suit your tastes and occasion. This recipe also includes a modification for when fresh basil is not available.
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There really isn’t much to making caprese salad skewers, but that’s the point. They are VERY easy to make and so we can make a LOT of them. They also serve to give a no-brainer vegetarian-friendly option to your party spread.
The one issue I often find is that basil is not available a lot of the time. Or the store has it, but it’s all brown. So, my hack, if you will, is to use arugula instead of basil. Arugula is a peppery, dainty green so the pretty presentation is still there too. More on this below.
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes. You can also use grape tomatoes, but I just prefer round cherry tomatoes to go with the round balls of cheese for presentation. The most important thing is to get the sweetest ripe tomatoes you can find.
Marinated mozzarella balls. Find these (also known as Bocconcini) in the section of the grocery store with the fancy cheeses (normally near the deli). They are fresh mozzarella balls in a plastic tub with a lid, because they are loose in marinade.
If marinated Bocconcini are not available, non-marinated Bocconcini is the appropriate substitute. If neither are available, then I recommend getting fresh mozzarella slices (make sure it’s fresh mozzarella): quarter each slice, stack 2 quarter pieces, and use that in place of each “ball” in the recipe. I do not recommend mozzarella “pearls” which are very small.
Fresh basil leaves or arugula leaves if basil is not available. Then also fresh or lightly-dried chopped basil leaves for sprinkling. If I’m using arugula, then I especially want a sprinkle of fresh basil (or fresh oregano as an alternate option!) to bring that flavor.
Lightly-dried basil is one of my favorite ingredients – It is fresh-ish basil, dried just a little to give a longer shelf life. It is a lifesaver. Find it in the produce section with the fresh herbs (more on this in the recipe card below).
Balsamic glaze syrup. The thick stuff. Find it in the condiments section with the vinegars but be sure to read the bottle to make sure you grab the right thing.
Making caprese skewers in advance
These party skewers can be assembled a day in advance EXCEPT for the glaze. We want to drizzle the glaze not so far in advance, because over time it will spread and disperse. So, assemble the skewers ahead of time, then drizzle the glaze within 20 to 30 minutes of serving.
About the picks
Your perfect little caprese party salad needs to go on pretty little party sticks! I linked the cocktail picks I use in the recipe card below. I like these because they are cheap and elegant, there are 4 options available, and they come 200 to a bag so I just keep them on hand. Another option is long, elegant toothpicks from the grocery store.
Modifications
See the Ingredients section above for modifications for both the fresh basil and fresh marinated mozzarella balls.
Here are so more ideas to change up these skewers to fit your occasion:
- Pitted kalamata olives.
- Fresh oregano leaves.
- English cucumber.
- Sweet Vidalia onion (but know who you are serving because I find onion ends up problematic for a lot of older people when I am serving a crowd).
- Heirloom cherry tomatoes – the different colors of tomatoes are always so pretty.
- Pineapple.
- Cooked tortellini (toss in vinaigrette so they don’t dry out).
- Prosciutto or salami.
- Peppadew peppers.
A perfect nibble to go with these caprese salad party skewers are my Ridiculously Easy, Garlic Feta Phyllo Bites. Just as easy to make, just as impressive, and just as delicious served at room temperature.
Caprese Salad Party Skewers
Equipment
- 20 cocktail party picks
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 7 oz marinated fresh mozzarella balls aka Bocconcini
- 2 oz fresh basil leaves or arugula leaves
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar glaze
- garnish: chopped fresh basil or oregano leaves, or lightly-dried basil (see Notes)
Instructions
- Feed the caprese ingredients onto each skewer as follows: tomato; basil leaf (or arugula) – folded or torn if necessary; mozzarella ball; basil/arugula; tomato.
- Repeat until all the cheese balls are used (they will run out first).
- Cover with plastic wrap or place in sealed container. Refrigerate until serving.
- Before serving, drizzle over balsamic glaze and top with chopped herbs.
