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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers with Pesto Drizzle

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These Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers with Pesto Drizzle are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer combining cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto for a fresh and flavorful bite perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine), drained well
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • For the Pesto Drizzle:
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted lightly
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Balsamic glaze (optional), for drizzling
  • About 20 wooden or bamboo mini skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes before use

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pesto by combining 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until smooth but slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add extra olive oil if needed to loosen the pesto. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves carefully. Drain the mozzarella balls well and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This takes about 5 minutes.
  3. Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each mini skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Arrange the skewers on a serving plate. Drizzle the pesto evenly over the skewers using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Add a few drops of balsamic glaze if desired. This takes about 2 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately. These skewers are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Bring to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if refrigerated.

Notes

Keep mozzarella balls well-drained and pat dry to avoid soggy skewers. Toast pine nuts lightly to enhance flavor and avoid bitterness. Assemble skewers just before serving to keep basil fresh and mozzarella firm. For vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or vegan cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For nut-free pesto, use toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts. Grilling skewers briefly adds smoky flavor but watch to prevent cheese melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, pesto drizzle, appetizer, party recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, easy appetizer, finger food

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewers-with-pesto-drizzle-easy-party-recipe/