Heart-Shaped Caprese Salad Skewers
These playful, heart-shaped Caprese salad skewers are a charming and easy party appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or festive occasions, they bring classic Italian flavors with a creative twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 skewers (serves 8-10 as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes, firm and ripe
- 20 mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), packed in water
- 20–25 fresh basil leaves, medium-sized, washed and dried
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Slice each cherry tomato in half lengthwise. Trim a tiny notch at the top of each half to create a heart shape.
- Slice mini mozzarella balls in half. If oval, trim a small notch on the rounded end for a heart shape. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Wash and dry basil leaves. Tear larger leaves in half if needed.
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half (about 8-10 minutes). Let cool to room temperature.
- Thread one tomato half (heart shape facing out), one basil leaf, and one mozzarella half (heart shape facing out) onto each skewer. Repeat for all skewers.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Blot mozzarella balls thoroughly for best glaze adhesion. Use the freshest ingredients for optimal flavor. Prep ingredients ahead, but assemble and glaze just before serving. Imperfect heart shapes add homemade charm. For vegan, use plant-based cheese and agave instead of honey. Store leftovers in a single layer with paper towels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Caprese, heart-shaped, salad skewers, party appetizer, Italian, balsamic glaze, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, gluten-free, vegetarian