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

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.

Did you know that vinegar is not used in the recipe for Caprese salad (which originated on the island of Capri)?

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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 aren’t how the original was served, it’s just a 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. When I did a Google search for Caprese Skewers before posting this recipe, I saw so many similar recipes, but with balsamic vinegar.

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 it 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 get your hands on. This is also why I love the Serious Eats article, because the end result (flavor) will reflect your choices.

Caprese sandwich

These little beauties make a the perfect Christmas cocktail party offering for adults, but 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

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 or few as you need).

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And for another version, try my friend Jill’s recipe!

Oven Roasted Tomatoes and Mozzarella

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