Caprese Skewers with Pesto

Featured in: Seasonal Meal Flow

This dish features skewers layered with cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves. A homemade basil pesto, rich with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, is drizzled on top, adding a zesty, aromatic finish. Perfectly balanced, light, and vibrant, these skewers are ideal for summer gatherings or as a fresh appetizer. The pesto can be adjusted for nut-free variations, while the skewers can be prepared ahead for convenience.

Updated on Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:44:00 GMT
Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle showcase cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on wooden picks, finished with vibrant green basil pesto. Save
Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle showcase cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on wooden picks, finished with vibrant green basil pesto. | maisonflavors.com

Caprese Skewers with Pesto Drizzle combine vibrant summer flavors in a bite-sized appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant fresh basil leaves come together on small wooden skewers, elevated by a zesty, homemade basil pesto that adds a burst of herbaceous richness. This refreshing, no-cook dish is perfect for easy entertaining, bringing a taste of Italy straight to your table in just 15 minutes.

Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle showcase cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on wooden picks, finished with vibrant green basil pesto. Save
Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle showcase cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on wooden picks, finished with vibrant green basil pesto. | maisonflavors.com

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

Assemble these skewers ahead of time to save prep during your event. The homemade basil pesto adds an irresistible aromatic touch, balancing the juicy acidity of the tomatoes with the creamy texture of mozzarella and the bright herbal notes of basil. This appetizer not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on any summer platter.

Ingredients

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (for pesto)
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer. Arrange the skewers on a serving platter.
2. Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle the pesto over the assembled skewers just before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

These skewers can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Keep the pesto separate and drizzle it over just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant color.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a nut-free pesto, substitute sunflower seeds in place of pine nuts. To add depth of flavor, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar over the skewers right before serving.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these skewers on a simple serving platter as a light and refreshing appetizer. They pair beautifully with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a perfect summer snack.

Colorful Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle feature juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, perfect for summer appetizers. Save
Colorful Caprese skewers with pesto drizzle feature juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil leaves, perfect for summer appetizers. | maisonflavors.com

This easy Caprese skewer recipe brings the essence of classic Italian flavors into a fun, convenient bite. Whether for a casual gathering or elegant brunch, these skewers deliver a satisfying combination of textures and tastes that delight any crowd.

Questions & Answers for Recipes

Can I make a nut-free version of the pesto?

Yes, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds to keep the pesto nut-free without compromising flavor.

How far ahead can the skewers be assembled?

Skewers can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. Add the pesto just before serving for freshness.

What is the best way to serve these skewers?

Arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle with fresh pesto just before serving to maintain vibrant colors and flavors.

Can I enhance the flavor with additional ingredients?

A light drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.

What kitchen tools are needed to prepare this dish?

A food processor or blender is required for the pesto, along with small wooden or bamboo skewers for assembly.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Caprese Skewers with Pesto

Juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella paired with aromatic basil and a vibrant pesto drizzle.

Prep Time
15 mins
0
Overall Time Needed
15 mins
Created by Lindsey Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Servings Produced 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Skewers

01 12 cherry tomatoes
02 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
03 12 fresh basil leaves
04 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers

Pesto Drizzle

01 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
02 2 tablespoons pine nuts
03 1 small garlic clove
04 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Step 01

Assemble skewers: Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer in sequence. Arrange the prepared skewers on a serving platter.

Step 02

Prepare pesto base: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic clove, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 03

Emulsify pesto: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 04

Finish and serve: Drizzle the prepared pesto over the assembled skewers immediately before serving.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor or blender
  • Small skewers
  • Serving platter

Allergy Info

Please check every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Contains tree nuts (pine nuts)
  • If substituting nuts, verify all ingredient labels for allergen information

Nutrition Details (each serving)

These numbers are estimates for reference and not a replacement for health advice.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.