Caprese Skewers Pesto Drizzle (Printable version)

Vibrant tomato, mozzarella, and basil skewers topped with a flavorful pesto drizzle, perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Skewers

01 - 12 cherry tomatoes
02 - 12 mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
03 - 12 fresh basil leaves
04 - 12 small wooden or bamboo skewers

→ Pesto Drizzle

05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
06 - 2 tablespoons pine nuts
07 - 1 small garlic clove
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Thread one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf onto each skewer in sequence. Arrange the prepared skewers on a serving platter.
02 - In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic clove, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
03 - With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 - Drizzle the prepared pesto over the assembled skewers immediately before serving to maintain freshness and optimal flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required—perfect for busy hosts
  • Beautiful presentation that impresses guests without complicated techniques
  • Fresh, vibrant flavors that capture the essence of Italian cuisine
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, accommodating many dietary preferences
  • Easy to make ahead and customize with variations
  • Uses simple, high-quality ingredients that let each component shine
02 -
  • Use a food processor rather than a blender for the pesto to achieve the perfect texture—blenders can over-process the basil and make it bitter
  • Add the olive oil slowly while processing to create a proper emulsion that coats beautifully
  • If your pesto is too thick, thin it with an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a teaspoon of water
  • Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning
  • For easier threading, use slightly softened mozzarella at room temperature rather than cold from the refrigerator
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes before use to prevent splintering
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