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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe with Easy Zesty Homemade Pesto Dip

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These fresh mini Caprese skewers paired with a zesty homemade pesto dip are a quick, flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil with a bright, garlicky pesto, they are light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (approx. 300g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and juicy
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves for pesto (about 40g)
  • 1/3 cup (40g) pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1/3 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Mini wooden or bamboo skewers, about 3 inches (7.5cm) long

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a food processor, combine 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, 2 peeled garlic cloves, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  3. With the processor running, slowly pour in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. Scrape down the sides once or twice. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Set aside.
  4. Drain the mozzarella balls and pat dry with paper towels. Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
  5. Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one basil leaf folded in half, and one mozzarella ball onto each mini skewer. Repeat until all ingredients are used, about 20-25 skewers.
  6. Arrange skewers on a serving platter with a small bowl of the pesto dip on the side. Encourage guests to dip generously.
  7. Optional: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the skewers or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

Dry mozzarella and tomatoes well to avoid soggy skewers. Pour olive oil slowly when making pesto for creamy texture. Toast pine nuts separately for richer flavor. Fold basil leaves in half to fit skewers better. Store pesto and skewers separately if making ahead. Pesto can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewers-recipe-with-easy-zesty-homemade-pesto-dip/