Caprese skewers are a great appetizer for the summer, but are also a hit for Christmas parties. When I make any type of Caprese salad, I prefer the authentic flavors of the original dish: only tomato, basil, mozzarella, salt and olive oil.

Who doesn’t love a Caprese salad?

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Even if it’s in the form of Caprese skewers, they’re absolutely irresistable! However, did you know that an authentic Caprese salad never includes balsamic vinegar in any form–no balsamic glaze, or reduction?

I constantly see recipes for Caprese-style dishes, salads and appetizers which include balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze. Hey, I am a vinegar fiend (see my “About” page), but I just don’t want it on my Caprese salads. I think the lovely inhabitants of Capri knew exactly what they were doing when they created this simple salad. Of course, Caprese skewers are a twist on the original. It’s a deliciously different way of presenting the dish.

Authentic Caprese Salads

If you’ve been adding vinegar to your Caprese salads, sandwiches, or whatever you’ve been making with tomato, basil and mozzarella, do me a favor. Please try it without the vinegar for a change, and see what you think.

An authentic Caprese salad

HOLD the vinegar!

I did, however, spot a wonderful article by J. Kenji López-Alt from Serious Eats. He feels the same as I do, and I was so glad to read his ~~command~~ recommendation to “Step away from the balsamic vinegar!”

By all means, if you like Caprese skewers better with balsamic vinegar, then go right ahead. I just like to know the authentic way that ethnic dishes are prepared so that I at least know whether I’m making the recipe the way it was intended.

As I say over and over, please use the best ingredients you can find.

Caprese sandwich

These little beauties make a the perfect Christmas cocktail party offering for adults, but Caprese skewers are also great for kids’ get togethers during the holidays. As a snack or appetizer during the summer they couldn’t be easier or more fun, and travel well for picnics and hikes. Kids love putting these together, too–it’s like a fun craft that they can eat–and will love!

Caprese Skewers

by Christina Conte serves 4

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW

Ingredients

grape or cherry tomatoes, homegrown or organic, if possible
small, fresh basil leaves (dried will not do in this recipe) or larger ones, torn
fresh mozzarella (ciliegini, if possible) and a really good quality brand
top quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
fine sea salt

Special equipment: 6″ skewers

Assemble the Caprese Skewers

Begin skewering the ingredients in the following order:

tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato

Repeat to finish the ingredients that you have (make as many Caprese skewers as you need).

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Mini Caprese Skewers (Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Appetizers) HOLD the Vinegar!

Servings:

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

A twist on a Caprese salad. Perfect for children and picnics.

4.9 from 13 votes

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Special Equipment

8 skewers

Ingredients

24 whole grape or cherry tomatoes (homegrown or organic, if possible)
16 whole fresh basil leaves small leaves or large - see notes
8 oz container of fresh mozzarella balls (mini- preferably ciliegini)
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (to drizzle on top, use top quality oil)
⅛ tsp sea salt (fine)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Begin skewering the ingredients in the following order: tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato-basil-mozzarella-basil-tomato
Repeat to finish the ingredients that you have (make as many or few as you need).

Notes

These can be made ahead, but tomatoes shouldn't be refrigerated and the cheese should be, so don't make them too far in advance.
Dried basil will not do in this recipe. Larger basil leaves can be torn in half.

Nutrition

And for another version, try my friend Jill’s recipe for a similar tomato appetizer!

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