These simple tomato basil mozzarella skewers are an easy appetiser for parties, picnics and family gatherings.
Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and small balls of fresh mozzarella are threaded onto skewers, then finished with olive oil and a little pesto.
At a glance
- Prep time: About 15 minutes
- Cook time: None
- Total time: About 15 minutes
- Makes: 20 skewers
Ingredients
- 20 cherry tomatoes
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 20 small balls of fresh mozzarella, ideally close in size to the tomatoes
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 20 small bamboo skewers or cocktail sticks
How to make tomato basil mozzarella skewers
1. Prepare the skewers
If using bamboo skewers, choose small skewers suitable for individual appetisers. Cocktail sticks also work well.
2. Add the tomato
Thread one cherry tomato onto each skewer.
3. Add the basil
Follow the tomato with one fresh basil leaf.
Fold the basil gently if necessary so it sits neatly on the skewer.
4. Add the mozzarella
Finish each skewer with a small ball of fresh mozzarella.
5. Arrange the skewers
Place the completed skewers on a serving plate.
Keep the ingredients together, but don’t squash them tightly against one another.
6. Finish with olive oil and pesto
Drizzle the skewers with the olive oil.
Add a little pesto to each mozzarella ball or drizzle the pesto lightly over the assembled skewers.
Serve.
Choosing the ingredients
Cherry tomatoes
Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm enough to thread onto the skewers.
A mixture of red and yellow cherry tomatoes can make the platter even more colourful.
Fresh basil
Fresh basil works best here because its aroma is an important part of the combination.
Use leaves that are fresh and intact.
Fresh mozzarella
Small mozzarella balls make assembly particularly easy because they are close in size to the cherry tomatoes.
If your mozzarella comes in a larger piece, cut it into small portions before assembling the skewers.
Easy variations
Add a balsamic finish: A small drizzle of balsamic glaze works well with tomato, basil, and mozzarella.
Try different tomatoes: Use a mixture of cherry and grape tomatoes.
Add a little pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can provide a simple finishing touch.
Make larger skewers: Use longer skewers and repeat the tomato, basil and mozzarella combination.
Serving ideas
These skewers work well as:
- party appetisers
- picnic food
- a simple starter
- part of a buffet
- an easy addition to a barbecue
Arrange them on a large platter so guests can pick them up easily.
Can you prepare them ahead?
The individual ingredients can be prepared in advance, but the finished skewers are best assembled relatively close to serving so the basil remains fresh and the ingredients retain their best texture.
Keep the prepared ingredients appropriately chilled until needed.
Why this recipe works
Tomato, basil, and mozzarella are a familiar combination for a reason.
The tomatoes bring freshness and acidity.
The mozzarella adds a creamy texture.
Fresh basil provides its distinctive aroma.
Pesto and olive oil add extra richness and flavour.
Put them on a little skewer, and you have a party appetiser with almost no cooking involved.
The bottom line
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Skewers are one of those recipes that are almost embarrassingly easy to make.
That is precisely why they are useful.
Three main ingredients, a little pesto, a drizzle of olive oil and a few minutes of preparation are all you need.