Fresh Mini Caprese Skewer Lunchbox Easy Recipe with Balsamic Glaze
These fresh mini Caprese skewers combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or light appetizers, they are easy to assemble and bursting with fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes, firm and ripe
- 1 cup (about 150g) fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
- 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Mini wooden skewers or toothpicks
Instructions
- Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- If cherry tomatoes are large, slice them in half; smaller ones can be left whole.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Thread one cherry tomato, one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella pearl onto each mini skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter or pack into a lunchbox. Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving or packing. If packing for later, keep glaze separate to avoid sogginess.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate skewers without glaze for up to 24 hours. Add glaze just before serving.
Notes
Use small-curd mozzarella pearls for best texture. Pat basil leaves dry to prevent sogginess. Assemble skewers just before serving for freshest taste. Store skewers without balsamic glaze in airtight container refrigerated up to 24 hours. Add glaze just before serving. Homemade balsamic glaze can be made by simmering 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar until reduced by half (10-15 minutes). For vegan option, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese pearls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 2.5
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: Caprese skewers, mini Caprese, balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, easy lunch, picnic food, appetizer, vegetarian, gluten-free