Rather than serving the traditional Caprese salad, try this fun variation that substitutes sweet strawberries for the tomatoes. These quick and easy Strawberry Caprese Skewers are sure to be a hit at your next party.
>> You might also like this Super Easy Hummus Recipe or Outrageously Good Spinach Artichoke Dip.
You’ve probably never thought of pairing strawberries with cheese or balsamic before. It sounds like an odd pairing, but in reality strawberries pair beautifully with the rich balsamic glaze and fresh basil.
I was invited to a summer strawberry party once at a friend’s house. Everyone had to bring a sweet or savory dish that used strawberry. I was amazed at all the great dishes that came out of that party. I had no idea strawberry worked so well in savory dishes.
The reason cherry tomatoes go so well with mozzarella cheese is because they are sweet and acidic. Well, strawberries have those same properties. So it’s not a coincidence that they pair so well with the ingredients of these Caprese skewers.
Ingredients You Need
To prepare strawberry caprese skewers with balsamic glaze, you must get all the ingredients in advance. This way, you can make the preparation and cooking process much easier and faster, allowing you to finish making this delicious appetizer in less than 30 minutes.
- 16 small strawberries washed and cut in half across the width, hull intact – Make sure to use fresh and ripe strawberries to ensure the quality of your skewers.
- 32 medium fresh basil leaves washed and patted dry – These are used to add freshness and color to your strawberry caprese skewers.
- 16 mini Ciliegine mini-Mozzarella balls – These are used to add creaminess and saltiness, which complements well with the strawberries.
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar – This can provide a strong flavor to the skewers.
- 2 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle, if desired – This can be added to your skewers for extra flavor.
So, if you want to make this ideal snack for your upcoming summer and spring celebrations, keep this list of ingredients in mind for your future reference.
To ensure the freshest ingredients for your skewers, check out online grocery stores in your area that sell and deliver grocery products, including a fruit basket filled with fresh strawberries and other fruits.
How to Make Strawberry Caprese Skewers
- Thread the top half of one strawberry onto a wooden skewer with the hull facing up. Fold a basil leaf in half and add it to the skewer. Add one mini-Mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and the bottom half of the strawberry.
- Repeat Step 1 with the remaining ingredients. Arrange on a serving platter.
- If using prepared balsamic glaze, pour lightly over the skewers creating 2 thin lines across each skewer. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
- To make the glaze yourself, add 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.
- Remove glaze from heat and let cool. Drizzle over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why Make These Skewers
You’ll love this summer/spring appetizer because it’s light and refreshing. If you’re looking for a snack with a slightly salty and irresistible flavor, these strawberry caprese skewers with balsamic glaze are a perfect choice!
Of course you could also serve the original Caprese skewers alongside the strawberry version. If you’re taking the time to make them, it’s just as easy to add tomatoes and strawberries.
Find the ripest tomatoes available for this appetizer. It makes a difference if they are fresh from the garden, versus sitting in a refrigerator for a few days before being served. You can also use yellow tomatoes for an added pop of color.
The farmers market is always the best place to find the ripest and tastiest strawberries and tomatoes. Get there early to have your pick of the best produce. You can even taste one before you buy to be sure they’re perfect for your appetizers.
Be sure to check out our Caprese Chicken recipe too. It’s another great way to use those tomatoes, mozzarella and basil you have left over from this recipe.
You know what pairs really well with this appetizer? A cool and refreshing limoncello spritz!
Tips for Making Strawberry Skewers
These tiny mozzarella balls are easy to find in the grocery. Buying them in this size keeps you from having to cut the mozzarella into bite-size pieces to put on the skewers. It saves a lot of time. Also be sure to pick up a packet of 6-inch wooden skewers. I like the bamboo ones without an end on them, like these.
When threading the skewers, make sure you don’t crowd the ingredients together. They look better with a little space between. It will also keep the basil looking fresh. The juices from the strawberries can quickly oxidate the leaves and make them look brown and wilted.
The balsamic glaze for this recipe can be purchased to save time. It’s a thicker consistency than regular balsamic. If you’re making it yourself, you’ll need to cook down balsamic vinegar by about 1/3 to get the right consistence.
I prefer to use certified balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, like the one pictured above. It has a better taste than lower-quality substitutes.
These little skewers make the perfect appetizer at a party and your guests will be very impressed with the strawberries. Eaten together, these skewers are the perfect combination of sweet and acidic.
Other Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Banana Granola Parfaits
- Fresh & Delightful Caprese Ravioli
- Bacon & Jalapeno Cheese Ball Appetizer
Like it, Love it, Want Some More of It? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch us cook and follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. We really love it when you save our recipes to Pinterest 😊
Strawberry Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 16 small strawberries washed and cut in half across the width, hull intact
- 32 medium fresh basil leaves washed and patted dry
- 16 mini Ciliegine mini-Mozzarella balls
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle, if desired
Instructions
- Thread the top half of one strawberry onto a wooden skewer with the hull facing up. Fold a basil leaf in half and add it to the skewer. Add one mini-Mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and the bottom half of the strawberry.
- Repeat Step 1 with the remaining ingredients. Arrange on a serving platter.
- If using prepared balsamic glaze, pour lightly over the skewers creating 2 thin lines across each skewer. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
- To make the glaze yourself, add 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.
- Remove glaze from heat and let cool. Drizzle over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Pin it for later
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.
This strawberry caprese skewers looks yum. love it
These are just so fun for entertaining!
Hmm yum! This Strawberry Caprese Skewers is making me crave!
I love this fun take on caprese!
This dish looks incredibly good. I wish it were on my plate!
I absolutely love this idea! It’s a fun mixture of both sweet and savory, and kid friendly, too!