Introduction:
Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks as good as it tastes? These Caprese Skewers with Basil Pesto are your answer. No stove, no oven, just fresh, colorful ingredients on a stick — topped with a flavorful homemade pesto that brings everything to life.
Perfect for entertaining, potlucks, or a refreshing summer snack, this classic Italian-inspired combo is always a hit.
Quick Recipe Overview:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: None
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 (as appetizer)
- Difficulty: Very Easy
Ingredients:
For the skewers:
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 20 small wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the basil pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Make the basil pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending to reach a smooth consistency. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the skewers: On each skewer, thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, and one mozzarella ball. Repeat for all skewers.
- Season and drizzle: Arrange skewers on a platter. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with basil pesto just before serving or offer the pesto on the side as a dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Use tricolor cherry tomatoes for a more vibrant presentation.
- Make it dairy-free by swapping mozzarella and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
These Caprese Skewers with Basil Pesto deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re fresh, fast, and look beautiful on any table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or packing a picnic, this appetizer always makes an impression.
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