Caprese Salad Kabobs

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 24, 2025

Featured in: Appetizers

Experience the fresh and vibrant flavors of an Italian classic, transformed into a fun and portable snack. These Caprese Salad Kabobs combine juicy grape tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, creating a bite-sized appetizer that bursts with color and taste.

Perfect for parties, quick lunches, or a light snack, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and complementary flavors. The simple drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar elevates the ingredients, making each kabob a refreshing and satisfying treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to assemble with fresh, wholesome ingredients for quick prep.
Perfect for gatherings, kids’ lunches, or as a healthy snack option.
Combines classic Italian flavors in a convenient, bite-sized format.

Ingredients

Grape Tomatoes: Small, juicy tomatoes that provide sweetness and vibrant red color for fresh flavor contrast.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Balls: Soft, creamy cheese pieces that add richness and a smooth texture to each kabob.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh aromatic leaves that infuse the dish with a distinctive herbal note and fragrance.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness enhancing the overall taste profile.
Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy, slightly sweet vinegar that balances the richness of mozzarella and olive oil.
Appetizer Skewers: Small wooden or bamboo skewers perfect for threading ingredients into bite-size portions.

Instructions

Thread Ingredients onto Skewers: Begin by taking each appetizer skewer and carefully threading on two grape tomatoes, one mozzarella ball, and two fresh basil leaves, alternating the order. This arrangement creates a balanced presentation and ensures each bite has vibrant colors and layers of flavor.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until fully combined. This simple dressing complements the freshness of the tomatoes and basil, while adding a subtle tang and smoothness to the kabobs.
Drizzle the Dressing: Lightly drizzle the olive oil and balsamic mixture over the assembled kabobs just before serving. This enhances the flavors without overwhelming the delicate balance of ingredients.
Serve Fresh: Arrange the kabobs on a platter and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their best. The combination of textures and tastes make these a hit at any gathering or as a quick snack.

You Must Know

Use fresh, good-quality mozzarella and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Drizzle the dressing just before serving to keep basil leaves vibrant and prevent sogginess.
These kabobs are best enjoyed fresh, as mozzarella can release moisture if left too long.

Storage Tips

If you need to prepare ahead, store the assembled kabobs without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the olive oil and balsamic mixture separate until just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these caprese kabobs alongside crusty bread or as part of a larger antipasto platter. They pair beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing appetizer experience.

Professional Tips

Select cherry-size mozzarella balls (bocconcini) for consistent portion sizes and a better visual appeal.
Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 10 minutes before assembling to prevent burning if grilling.
Consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQs

Can I prepare these kabobs in advance?: Yes, you can assemble the kabobs up to 24 hours ahead without the dressing. Add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Can I substitute the grape tomatoes with another type?: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes can be excellent alternatives if grape tomatoes are not available.
What cheese can I use instead of fresh mozzarella?: If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella will work well as similar soft cheese options.
Is it necessary to drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar?: While optional, the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing brings depth to the flavors and balances the natural sweetness and acidity of the ingredients.
How should I store leftover kabobs?: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Refrain from adding dressing during storage to avoid sogginess.