Caprese Skewers with Mozzarella & Tomato (Gluten-Free)

These Caprese Skewers are one of my favorite appetizers to serve my guests. The classic layers of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will please everyone. The skewers look gorgeous and fancy but are a snap to put together. They will make a splash at all your summer festivities.

There is no better way to let the gorgeous tomatoes in markets right now shine than combining them with fresh basil and mozzarella cheese. Simple, fresh, and delicious, it is one of my favorite flavor combinations.

Today’s recipe is part of a Farmer’s Market Virtual Supper with a group of food bloggers . We formed two groups, each creating a meal that you can make for your friends and family. The members of each group choose what we will make and share it with you.

This virtual supper menu can be made with ingredients found at our local farmer’s market. It is fun to stretch our own culinary creativity and see what our friends come up with!

There are so many tempting things in the farmer’s market that it was hard to pick just one appetizer idea to share with you. With all the beautiful tomatoes showing up, I couldn’t resist showcasing them for this supper. 

Traditional Caprese salad is usually served with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella sliced with basil leaves tucked between and drizzled with a light vinaigrette.

To make this easier to serve for a buffet, I decided to turn the ingredients into skewers that are really fun to eat and simple to manage if you are having a party where people will be eating off plates on their laps.

While the typical salad is drizzled with vinaigrette, which would be challenging with skewers, I decided to lightly marinate the ingredients instead. A few minutes soaking in the vinaigrette will add tremendous flavor to the mozzarella and tomatoes. I used a dressing made with balsamic vinegar that added a yellow color to the mozzarella. If you want to keep them whiter, use lemon juice or light vinegar instead of the balsamic.

The skewers I used are called “picks” and are about 5-inches long. They make any foods more festive! You can use a simpler version with a twisted top if you prefer. If you can’t find the fancy ones, regular bamboo skewers will work just fine.

All the farmers’ markets will have tomatoes and basil this time of the year, but if yours does not have a cheese vendor, you can buy the bocconcini at your local grocer. Bocconcini are miniature fresh mozzarella balls in water. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s usually keep them in the refrigerated section. If you can only find the large balls of fresh mozzarella in water, you can cut those into small bite-sized pieces and use those in place of the bocconcini.

These Caprese Skewers are simple to put together, and an appetizer that all your guests will love. While tomatoes are at the peak of their season in the heat of summer, make these skewers for your barbecues, dinner parties, or family reunions. They make a stunning addition to a buffet table or being passed at the table. And if you have children at the party, they will love how these are just their size!

Make sure you check out all these recipes from the other members of the team for a beautiful full summer supper menu!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Let me know in the comments, I love hearing from you!

 

Members of this Farmer’s Market Virtual Supper group and their shared recipes:

Appetizer

Mozzarella & Tomato Caprese Skewers by Jane Bonacci, The Heritage Cook (you are here)

Salad

Warm Green Bean and Tomato Salad by Renee Chatham, Creative Mama, Messy House

Side Dish

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower by Marlene Baird, Nosh My Way

Entreé

Roast Pork Tenderlion with Mushroom Marsala Sauce and Roasted Potatoes by DB, Crazy Foodie Stunts

Dessert

Vanilla Bean Infused Cheesecake with Peaches in Dark Rum Sauce by Sandi Gaertner, Fearless Dining

 

 

 

The second group has also posted. Here are their beautiful recipes for another delightful Farmer’s Market Supper!

Salad: Blistered Tomato, Corn, and Arugula Salad by OMG! Yummy

Entree: Eggplant Pesto Parmesan Casserole by The Wimpy Vegetarian

Side Dish: Summertime Vegetarian Stir-Fry by Peanut Butter and Peppers

Dessert: Striped Heirloom Tomato Spice Cake by ZeBot’s Kitchen

Dessert: Peachy Keen Ice Cream Sandwiches by Fork and Swoon

 

Key Ingredients for Caprese Skewers:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Bocconcini (small mozzarella balls packed in water)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Italian salad dressing or vinaigrette

 

PRO Tip:

You can skip the marinade entirely and these will still be delicious.

 

How to make Caprese Skewers:

1. Place tomatoes and cheese in a resealable plastic bag; add enough dressing to cover and seal shut
2. Set aside for about 20 minutes to marinate; drain the marinade, reserving for later use
3. Skewer a tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella ball, and basil leaf; repeat once more on each skewer winding up with 2 tomatoes, 2 cheese balls, and five basil leaves on each one
4. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to taste
5. Set up on a platter or vertically in glasses to serve or place two skewers on each individual plate

 

Recommended Tools (affiliate links; no extra cost to you):

• Chef’s knife or kitchen shears (to cut the mozzarella if you can’t find small balls)
• Cutting board
• Skewers
• Serving Platter

 

Gluten-Free Tips:

This dish is naturally gluten-free, but as always check the labels or ask the merchant to be sure there aren’t any hidden gluten ingredients in anything.

 

 

 

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