Caprese Skewers With Olive

Caprese skewers with olives are an ideal, easy-to-make appetizer for any holiday gathering, offering a delicious, healthy, and refreshing bite. Perfectly assembled with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil, these skewers are drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch that elevates the Mediterranean flavors. The green olives are a fantastic addition, giving each bite a savory and briny contrast to the creamy mozzarella and juicy, firm tomatoes. Whether you’re hosting a casual holiday party or an elegant family gathering, these Caprese skewers will impress your family, friends, and guests with their simplicity and tasty combination of ingredients.

As a seasoned social butterfly, I find these Caprese skewers are a hit every time I entertain. They are perfect for anyone who loves fuss-free and fun appetizers. There’s no need for cooking or chopping — just a bit of mixing and assembling of fresh ingredients, which makes them a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. The bite-sized portions are ideal for hand-held snacking, so they’re great for casual social settings, like when you’re catching up with your friends or spending time with family. The flavorful blend of mozzarella and tomatoes pairs beautifully with fruity wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Fiano, or Albariño, making these skewers the perfect match for any gathering.

The simplicity of these skewers makes them versatile enough for various occasions, from informal holiday gatherings to more refined events. A drizzle of olive oil on top enhances the fresh air aroma, while adding a final touch of perfection. They can even be served alongside side dishes, like fig jam or tapenade, to enhance the flavors. Whether paired with dry, sparkling wines or a lighter apéritif, these skewers are a classic and healthy choice. The addition of green olives and a fragrant basil leaf on each skewer makes them a beautiful and flavorful Mediterranean dish that’s sure to leave everyone at your next party craving more.

Ingredients

1. 1. Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes (assorted colors for vibrancy).
   2. Fresh Mozzarella: Ciliegine mozzarella balls (plain or marinated).
   3. Olives: Green olives (Pimiento-stuffed) or black Castelvetrano olives.
   4. Fresh Basil: Large basil leaves, torn in half.
   5. Olive Oil: Extra virgin or infused olive oil.
   6. Skewers: 4-inch wooden skewers.

• Other Seasonings and Acids:

•  Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tang and depth of flavor.
•  Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
•  Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, and Honey: These can be used to make a light             dressing or drizzle for added flavor.

How to Make Caprese Skewers with Olive

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients: fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, green olives, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and pepper. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves with a paper towel. Fold the basil leaves in half and keep the mozzarella balls ready. Measure out any seasonings and drizzle ingredients.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Get your wooden skewers or metal skewers and thread the ingredients. Start with a cherry tomato, then add a folded basil leaf, followed by a mozzarella ball. Continue layering until the skewer is fully assembled. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter or plate, creating an attractive display.

Step 3: Drizzle and Season

Once the skewers are assembled, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper for added flavor. If you prefer, you can also toss the skewers lightly in a bowl to coat with oil and seasoning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Caprese skewers immediately or chill them for later. They are the perfect, healthy appetizer to enjoy at any holiday or social gathering.

Some tips

• Use wooden or metal skewers (available in a 4-pack online) for easy assembly and handling.
• Choose the freshest ingredients like mini mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil for the best taste.
• Assemble skewers with a creative pattern, alternating tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for visual appeal.
• Make ahead: Store in the fridge, wrapped in Saran wrap, to keep them fresh until serving.
• Drizzle with olive oil (regular or infused) for added flavor and shine.
• Skip heavy sauces—balsamic vinegar or glaze adds just enough tang.
• Keep spices and condiments minimal to avoid overpowering the natural Caprese flavors.
• For a unique touch, use bamboo skewers to enhance the presentation.

Creative Variations to Try!

• Add pasta, chopped tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and olives to your skewers for a heartier twist.
• Serve the skewers with toasted bread slices drizzled with olive oil for a crunchy complement.
• Bake some mushrooms and add them to the skewers for a savory touch.
• Make a salad with lettuce and top it with Caprese skewers, drizzling with balsamic vinegar.
• Arrange skewers on a plate, serve with bread slices, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Tasty Pairings to Try

Pair Caprese Skewers With Olive with a Mango Raspberry Swirl Margarita or a chilled sparkling lemonade for a refreshing sip. For food, serve with a light quinoa salad, grilled vegetable sides, or slices of Margherita pizza to complement the fresh flavors. These drinks and dishes keep the meal light, vibrant, and well-balanced.

FAQ

Which Type of Olives Work Best?

You can use a variety of olives in this recipe—green, black, or kalamata all work well. Just go with what you prefer or have on hand for the best flavor.

Can I Prep This Caprese Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make ahead this easy Caprese salad by slicing the mozzarella and tomatoes the night before. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble when needed, so it’s served fresh. It stays good in the fridge for 1–2 days, perfect when you need to save time.

What Can I Use Instead of Basil?

If you’re out of basil, a fresh herb like mint can replace it and still keep that fantastic flavor combination with tomatoes and mozzarella. For a more creative twist, try using diced peaches or strawberries in place of basil for a sweet and savory bite.

What Type of Skewers Work Best?

Both wooden and metal skewers work well—it depends on your preference. Wooden ones are disposable and convenient for parties, while metal gives a more elegant presentation and can be reused. It’s great to offer options based on the occasion.

How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to keep them fresh and tasty without losing flavor.

Conclusion

These Caprese skewers with olive are a colorful, flavorful treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for sharing with family and loved ones, this tasty recipe blends fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olives for a bite-sized snack that will impress. Quick to make and always loved, it’s a go-to for any occasion. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Caprese Skewers With Olive

Recipe by Emily HarperCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

Skewers

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

80

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Caprese skewers are a bite-sized appetizer made with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, often drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes (assorted colors for vibrancy).

• Fresh Mozzarella: Ciliegine mozzarella balls (plain or marinated).

• Olives: Green olives (Pimiento-stuffed) or black Castelvetrano olives.

• Fresh Basil: Large basil leaves, torn in half.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin or infused olive oil.

• Skewers: 4-inch wooden skewers.

Directions

• Gather all your ingredients: fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, green olives, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic glaze, sea salt, and pepper. Wash and dry the tomatoes and basil leaves with a paper towel. Fold the basil leaves in half and keep the mozzarella balls ready. Measure out any seasonings and drizzle ingredients.
• Get your wooden skewers or metal skewers and thread the ingredients. Start with a cherry tomato, then add a folded basil leaf, followed by a mozzarella ball. Continue layering until the skewer is fully assembled. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter or plate, creating an attractive display.
• Once the skewers are assembled, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper for added flavor. If you prefer, you can also toss the skewers lightly in a bowl to coat with oil and seasoning.
• Serve the Caprese skewers immediately or chill them for later. They are the perfect, healthy appetizer to enjoy at any holiday or social gathering.

Notes

• Use wooden or metal skewers (available in a 4-pack online) for easy assembly and handling.
  Choose the freshest ingredients like mini mozzarella balls, tomatoes, and basil for the best taste.
  Assemble skewers with a creative pattern, alternating tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for visual appeal.
  Make ahead: Store in the fridge, wrapped in Saran wrap, to keep them fresh until serving.
  Drizzle with olive oil (regular or infused) for added flavor and shine.
  Skip heavy sauces—balsamic vinegar or glaze adds just enough tang.
  Keep spices and condiments minimal to avoid overpowering the natural Caprese flavors.
  For a unique touch, use bamboo skewers to enhance the presentation.