Party‑friendly recipe for Mini Caprese Skewers with Lemon-Basil Drizzle—perfect for your Joyista Life potluck menu. The bite‑size skewers can be assembled in 10 minutes and travel beautifully; the bright citrus‑herb drizzle wakes up the classic tomato‑mozzarella combo without overpowering it
PrintMini Caprese Skewers with Lemon Basil Drizzle
These Mini Caprese Skewers with Lemon Basil Drizzle are a delightful addition to any gathering. Think juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, all brought together with a zesty basil‑lemon vinaigrette. They’re easy to assemble, visually appealing, and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or casual get‑togethers, these skewers are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. You can prepare them ahead of time and add the drizzle just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
Skewers
24 grape or cherry tomatoes
24 mini fresh‑mozzarella balls (ciliegine), drained
24 small fresh basil leaves (plus extras for garnish)
24 short bamboo cocktail picks or 6‑inch skewers
Pinch of flaky sea salt & freshly ground pepper
Lemon Basil Drizzle
3 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp honey (balances acidity)
1/4 tsp Dijon mustard (emulsifier)
6 large basil leaves, finely minced
1 small clove garlic, grated or smashed to a paste
1/8 tsp kosher salt, pinch of pepper
Instructions
1. Mix the drizzle
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, honey, and Dijon until slightly thickened.
- Stir in basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste; adjust lemon or salt. Let stand 5 minutes for flavors to bloom.
2. Assemble the skewers
- Thread one tomato, one basil leaf (fold if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each pick.
- Arrange on a platter; sprinkle lightly with flaky salt and pepper.
3. Finish & serve
- Right before serving, spoon or brush the lemon basil drizzle over the skewers. Garnish with extra basil ribbons or lemon zest curls. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Notes
Joyista Tips & Variations
- Color pop: Use mixed red and yellow tomatoes for a jewel‑tone platter.
- Make‑ahead hack: Store assembled skewers in a zip‑top bag with a damp paper towel; keep drizzle in a small jar until showtime.
- Protein twist: Add a folded ribbon of prosciutto di Parma between tomato and mozzarella for a heartier bite.
- DIY platter: Offer the drizzle in a small pitcher and let guests choose how much zing they want.
Replace Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (reduction): If the citrusy drizzle is not your taste or you need a time saver, drizzle with balsamic glaze. Balsamic glaze can be found in numerous infused flavors
Here are some popular balsamic reduction flavors available:
- Fruit-Infused Varieties: These include flavors like fig, cherry, raspberry, blueberry, pomegranate, and strawberry. They add a sweet and tangy dimension to dishes and pair well with cheeses, salads, and desserts.
- Citrus and Herbal Infusions: Flavors such as lemon, blood orange, and Italian herb offer a zesty or savory twist, enhancing grilled vegetables, meats, and seafood.
- Unique and Gourmet Options: Some balsamic reductions feature distinctive flavors like chocolate, espresso, coconut, and cinnamon pear, providing a creative touch to both traditional and innovative recipes.
These flavored balsamic reductions are versatile and can be used to drizzle over appetizers, main courses, or desserts, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations.
I’m always inspired by the creative twists you bring to the table! Did you add a drizzle of fig-infused balsamic or perhaps a sprinkle of chili flakes for a kick? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Share your delightful variations in the comments below and let’s continue to inspire each other in our culinary journeys. 💙
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers per person
- Calories: 73
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 5