Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

I have made these caprese salad skewers more times than I can count, and they are still one of my favorite easy party appetizers. They look pretty on a platter, take almost no time to put together, and somehow always make it seem like you did more than you actually did. That is exactly my kind of recipe.

If you need something fresh, simple, and reliable for a party, girls’ night, holiday gathering, or summer get-together, these caprese skewers are such a good one to keep in your back pocket. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, olive oil, and balsamic glaze is classic for a reason. It is light, flavorful, and easy to serve.

Jump to Recipe

What is a Caprese Salad?

Caprese Salad is a simple Italian salad that showcases the flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Named after the island of Capri, this salad is traditionally seasoned with olive oil, salt, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, making it a perfect dish for showcasing fresh, seasonal produce.

Why I Love Making Caprese Salad Skewers

This is one of those recipes I come back to when I want something that feels a little elevated without creating extra work for myself. They are easy to assemble, easy to serve, and they add so much color to a table. I also love that they work for so many different occasions. They fit right in at a casual summer party, on a grazing board in the fall, or as a simple holiday appetizer when you need one more thing to round out the spread.

They also make hosting feel easier. No reheating, no complicated prep, and no trying to figure out how to plate a messy appetizer at the last minute. Just assemble, drizzle, and set them out on a pretty platter.

Caprese Salad Skewers Ingredients

For these mozzarella tomato basil skewers, you only need a handful of ingredients, which is part of what makes them so good.

• 16 Red Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• 16 Yellow Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• 32 Medium Fresh Basil Leaves, washed and patted dry
• 16 Ciliegine (Mini Mozzarella Balls)
• 1 c. Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 T. High Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to drizzle

What You’ll Need

• 16 6″ Wooden Skewers
• Serving Platter
• Small Sauté Pan

How to Make Caprese Salad Skewers

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

1. Thread a red tomato onto a wooden skewer. Next, fold one basil leaf in half with the dark side facing out, and add it to the skewer. Add one mini Mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and one yellow cherry tomato.
2. Repeat these steps with the remaining tomatoes, basil, and Mozzarella until you have 16 completed skewers.
3. Arrange on a serving platter and set aside.
4. To prepare the glaze, add the balsamic vinegar to a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vinegar is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, approximately 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove the glaze from the heat and allow it to cool for several minutes.
6. Add salt and black pepper over the completed skewers.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil.
8. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making Caprese Salad Skewers

Try to use tomatoes and mozzarella that are close in size so the skewers look balanced and are easier to assemble. If your basil leaves are extra large, you can fold them a little tighter so they fit better between the tomato and mozzarella.

Letting the glaze cool a bit before adding it helps everything stay fresh and pretty. I also like to drizzle it on right before serving so the skewers still look their best when they hit the table.

Caprese Salad Skewers Variations

This caprese skewer appetizer is easy to customize if you want to change it up a little.

If you love a salty bite, add a ribbon of prosciutto to each skewer. If grape tomatoes are what you have on hand, those work perfectly. You can also swap the balsamic glaze for a light drizzle of pesto if you want something a little different.

When to Serve Caprese Skewers

These are one of my favorite summer appetizer ideas because they are fresh, colorful, and do not feel too heavy. They are perfect for backyard dinners, pool days, brunch spreads, and casual nights with friends.

They also work beautifully on a fall grazing board or as a simple holiday appetizer when you want something fresh to balance out richer party foods. This is the kind of recipe that works almost year-round because it feels classic and easy.

How to Serve Them for a Party

I like to arrange these caprese salad skewers on a simple platter and let the colors do the work. They look especially pretty on a white serving tray or wooden board, and you can finish the platter with a little extra basil if you want it to feel more styled.

If you are putting together a full spread, these caprese skewers pair really well with crackers, dips, fruit, and sparkling drinks. They are also such a cute option for outdoor entertaining or a simple at-home date night spread.

Storage for Caprese Salad Skewers

These are best served fresh. If you make them too far ahead, the basil can start to wilt and the texture is just not quite as good. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time if needed, but I recommend assembling the skewers and adding the glaze right before serving for the best result.

A Simple Appetizer That Always Works

There is just something about caprese salad skewers that feels easy in the best way. They are simple, pretty, and always a crowd-pleaser, which makes them one of my favorite appetizers to keep on repeat. Whether you are hosting friends in the summer, putting together a holiday spread, or just want something fresh and fun for a weekend snack board, this recipe is such a good one to have saved.

If you are planning a get-together soon, save this one for later and pair it with a few more easy favorites to make hosting feel a lot more doable.