The beauty of Caprese Salad Skewers lies in the quality and simplicity of its ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that iconic fresh and flavorful taste. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble these delightful skewers:

• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (about 2 cups). Opt for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. Heirloom cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are also excellent choices, adding a touch of sweetness and variety. Look for tomatoes that are vibrant red and feel slightly heavy for their size. Avoid tomatoes that are bruised or have soft spots.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 8 ounces. You’ll want to use fresh mozzarella balls packed in water, not the pre-shredded or block mozzarella. Bocconcini are medium-sized balls, while Ciliegine are smaller, cherry-sized balls. Either will work beautifully for skewers. If using larger bocconcini, you may want to cut them in half or quarters to make them skewer-friendly and bite-sized. Fresh mozzarella provides that signature creamy, milky texture that complements the tomatoes and basil perfectly.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 bunch. Fresh basil is non-negotiable for authentic Caprese flavors. Look for bright green, fragrant leaves. Italian basil is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like Genovese basil for a slightly peppery note or Thai basil for a more anise-like flavor if you want to add a subtle twist. Make sure to wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly before using them.
• Balsamic Glaze: To taste. A balsamic glaze, also known as balsamic reduction, adds a touch of sweetness and tangy complexity that elevates the skewers. You can easily find pre-made balsamic glaze in most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Homemade balsamic glaze allows you to control the sweetness and thickness to your preference.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For drizzling (optional). A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a touch of richness. Choose a fruity and flavorful olive oil for the best results. This is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Use good quality sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best taste. Season lightly at first and adjust to taste after assembling the skewers.
• Wooden or Bamboo Skewers: 6-8 skewers. You’ll need skewers to thread the ingredients onto. Wooden or bamboo skewers work perfectly. If using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling the skewers. This prevents them from burning if you decide to grill or broil the skewers briefly, although this recipe is typically served fresh and unheated. Soaking also helps prevent the wood from splintering.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions:

While the classic Caprese Salad Skewer is incredibly delicious as is, you can always experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Mozzarella Variations: For a richer flavor, try using buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala). Smoked mozzarella can also add a unique smoky dimension. For a vegan option, you can use vegan mozzarella balls made from cashew or almond milk – these are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets.
• Tomato Variations: Experiment with different types of tomatoes like yellow pear tomatoes, orange tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes (marinated in oil, added in small pieces). Roasted cherry tomatoes can also add a deeper, sweeter flavor if you are willing to add a roasting step.
• Basil Variations: As mentioned earlier, you can try different types of basil. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use fresh oregano or mint for a slightly different but still refreshing herbal note. Pesto can also be used as a drizzle instead of balsamic glaze for a richer, basil-forward flavor.
• Additions: Consider adding other ingredients to your skewers for extra flavor and texture. Prosciutto or salami (thinly sliced and folded) can add a salty, savory element. Artichoke hearts (marinated or grilled) provide a tangy and slightly smoky flavor. Roasted red peppers (cut into bite-sized pieces) add sweetness and color. Kalamata olives (pitted and halved) bring a briny, Mediterranean flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze Alternatives: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can use a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing or even a honey-mustard vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. A drizzle of pesto is another excellent alternative.
• Vegan Option: As mentioned earlier, use vegan mozzarella balls. Ensure the balsamic glaze is also vegan (most are, but always check the ingredients). Omit any non-vegan additions like prosciutto.