Traditional Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

A traditional Caprese salad served on a skewer – this is always a hit at parties and for good reason! It looks beautiful and tastes great. And as I always say, who doesn’t love food on a stick? It seems to bring out the little kid in all of us with such an amusing presentation. 

Traditional Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 4

Additional equipment:

16 6” wooden skewers

Ingredients:

8 red and 8 yellow/orange grape tomatoes
32 medium fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
16 bocconcini (mini-mozzarella balls)
1 c. balsamic vinegar

Optional:

2 T. high-quality extra-virgin olive oil to drizzle

Tip: The warm balsamic glaze will start to melt the cheese on contact. For a cleaner presentation, avoid adding the glaze to the cheese while drizzling it onto the skewers.

Directions:

1. Thread a grape tomato onto a wooden skewer. Next, fold one basil leaf in half, dark side facing out, and add it to the skewer. Add one mini-mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and another grape tomato. 
2. Repeat Step #1 with the remaining tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella until you have 16 completed skewers. Arrange on a serving platter and set aside.
3. To prepare the glaze, add balsamic vinegar to a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vinegar is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume.
4. Remove glaze from heat and let cool slightly. Drizzle over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

This variation is grilled Caprese salad on a stick. Uses tomatoes or watermelon.  I think a tray of all the different versions would be a really beautiful and fun platter for a party or potluck.