I love appetizer potlucks. You can throw together something quickly, and you don't have to commit to a big cooking expedition (or cooking at all!) That is exactly how I discovered this amazing flavor combination. My friend brought a version of this cherry tomato appetizer, with a tangy balsamic glaze, to my house, and I seriously fell in love with it. These 4 Ingredient Stacked Caprese Salad Sticks are by far, my latest and greatest favorite potluck appetizer! If you've ever had a delicious Caprese salad, that's what inspired these.
It's quick, easy, vegetarian, and gluten-free, and you can make it ahead or right before your event if you only have a short time to spare. This Caprese Salad Skewer with balsamic drizzle is 1 WW point. These tasty caprese salad skewers are very popular during the summer months, but are great for any time of year (I make it all year round!) This delicious and healthy appetizer was the inspiration behind my tasty Caprese Sheet Pan Chicken Breast recipe.
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We often have an appetizer extravaganza on New Year's Eve, and we try to keep it healthy. This delicious appetizer will definitely be joining the ranks this year, along with these delicious 1 ww point Dill Deviled Eggs!
So, if you are looking for a New Year's Eve party appetizer, especially if you are following Weight Watchers, this one is perfect (see WW points below). You don't have to wait until New Year's Day to enact your healthy eating resolution -this appetizer will help you start the New Year right!
🥘 Ingredient Notes
These Caprese salad skewers have only 4 simple ingredients. They are healthy, low calorie, WW friendly, and won't leave you overdrawn at the calorie bank.
- Grape tomatoes. Using grape tomatoes and cutting these in half allows for stacking.
- Mozzarella cheese. I use regular mozzarella and cut it into cubes.
- Balsamic vinegar reduction (or balsamic glaze). They are the same thing.
*See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Mozzarella Cheese- fresh mozzarella balls can be used in place of regular mozzarella, cut into squares
- Fresh Tomatoes - you can use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes
- Balsamic Glaze - You can make a homemade balsamic glaze instead of buying it, but I do not recommend it. I did this once, it takes forever, and it made my whole house smell like vinegar for days (which the family did not appreciate) and clogged up my stove hood fan filter!
- Basil - FRESH BASIL is critical! You can use store-bought or use your own (I used my own in this recipe).
🔢WW Points
These cherry tomato appetizers are 1 Weight Watchers point per skewer!
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Caprese Salad Sticks
I make my Caprese salad on a skewer, which is a little different from how my friend made it when she introduced it into my life. My Mini Caprese Skewers are on toothpicks or little skewers (made of wood or plastic) and use grape tomatoes, cut in half (or cherry tomatoes).
I also slice the mozzarella any old way - I don't do it in circles or perfect symmetrical squares - it's completely fuss-free, although you could use mini mozzarella balls if you wish.
I made these this summer for an appetizer at a small family get-together and they were a big hit! They are a fun appetizer that's so easy to make and tasty.
Slice grape tomatoes in half.
*If you are using cherry tomatoes, don't slice in half - use cherry tomatoes on each end
Poke toothpick/skewer through tomato half (flat side down)
Fold a piece of basil and add to the skewer.
*If your basil is small, use 2 leaves, but be careful because if you use too much, it will over power this appetizer
Slice mozzarella into squares.
* Add a square of mozzarella to skewer.
Add the second half of the tomato to skewer, flat side down.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar reduction /glaze (but don't do this until just prior to serving).
Expert Recipe Tips
- Chill your balsamic glaze/reduction. If it's a new bottle and hasn't been in the fridge, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour (or it will be too runny.)
- Let it sit in hot water if it's too thick. If it has been in the fridge and it's too thick, let the bottle sit in hot water for approximately 15 minutes.
- Choose ripe but firm tomatoes: Overly soft tomatoes can split when skewered. Look for grape or cherry tomatoes that are sweet, juicy, and firm enough to hold their shape.
- Cut mozzarella into even pieces for balance: Keeping the mozzarella cubes roughly the same size ensures each bite has an equal ratio of tomato, basil, and cheese.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor: Take the skewers out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly and the flavors are more pronounced.
- Don't overdo the balsamic glaze: A light drizzle enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Too much glaze can make the skewers overly sweet and messy.
- Use high-quality balsamic glaze: Since the recipe has so few ingredients, quality matters. A thicker, richer balsamic glaze makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.
- Secure ingredients firmly on the skewer: Press the skewer gently through the center of each ingredient so they stay stacked neatly without sliding around.
🍽Equipment
You can use a bigger toothpick/mini skewer , a plastic skewer, a mini cocktail fork. (affiliate links) or some kind of wooden skewers or even bamboo skewers. Either way, it should be about 3.5 inches long. You'll also need a sharp knife and a cutting board.
I had a tough time finding this type of skewer at my local grocery store but ended up finding them at my neighborhood dollar store. I prefer these because they stand up more easily and are colorful, but I've used wooden skewers or toothpicks in the past.
👪 Serving Size
This Mini Caprese Salad Bites recipe makes about 20 Caprese salad skewers. If you want to cut the recipe in half, double or triple it, simply click on the servings in the recipe card, select the number of servings you'd like, and the ingredient amounts will adjust accordingly.
🌡️Storage
You can make these Caprese salad skewers a day in advance, but for best results, drizzle the balsamic vinegar glaze on as close to serving as possible. If you are just storing them for a short while (8 hours or less) you can cover them in plastic wrap, but otherwise, keep them in a sealed container.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. They do not stand up to freezing.
❔ Recipe FAQs
If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can drizzle a small amount of high-quality balsamic vinegar (I recommend Costco's Kirkland brand - it's amazing!) It will still add a tangy flavor, though the glaze provides a thicker, sweeter finish.
Yes! You can assemble the skewers up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving for the best presentation.
Keep the basil leaves dry after washing and don't drizzle the balsamic glaze until right before serving. This prevents moisture from softening the cheese or tomatoes.
You can serve these skewers with crusty bread, breadsticks, or crostini for a heartier appetizer spread.
So, if you are looking for a fantastic, quick, healthy, gluten-free, and easy appetizer, made with fresh ingredients, that's perfect for a potluck, try these caprese bites!
📋 More Healthy Weight Watchers Appetizers!
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📋 Caprese Salad Sticks Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes 16 oz
- ½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
- 2 -28 g pkg fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon reduced balsamic vinegar (approximately) drizzled - also called balsamic vinegar glaze
Instructions
- Slice grape tomatoes in half.1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
- Poke toothpick/skewer through tomato half (flat side down) * if you are using cherry tomatoes, don't slice in half - use cherry tomatoes on each end
- Fold piece of basil and add to skewer.2 -28 g pkg fresh basil leaves
- Slice mozzarella into squares.½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese
- Add small square of mozzarella to skewer.
- Add second ½ of tomato
- Then drizzle with balsamic vinegar reduction /glaze1 tablespoon reduced balsamic vinegar
Notes
- Chill your balsamic glaze/reduction. If it's a new bottle and hasn't been in the fridge, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour (or it will be too runny.)
- Let it sit in hot water if it's too thick. If it has been in the fridge and it's too thick, let the bottle sit in hot water for approximately 15 minutes.
- Choose ripe but firm tomatoes: Overly soft tomatoes can split when skewered. Look for grape or cherry tomatoes that are sweet, juicy, and firm enough to hold their shape.
- Cut mozzarella into even pieces for balance: Keeping the mozzarella cubes roughly the same size ensures each bite has an equal ratio of tomato, basil, and cheese.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor: Take the skewers out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving so the cheese softens slightly and the flavors are more pronounced.
- Don't overdo the balsamic glaze: A light drizzle enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Too much glaze can make the skewers overly sweet and messy.
- Use high-quality balsamic glaze: Since the recipe has so few ingredients, quality matters. A thicker, richer balsamic glaze makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.
- Secure ingredients firmly on the skewer: Press the skewer gently through the center of each ingredient so they stay stacked neatly without sliding around.
Justine | JustineCelina.com
These are so cute and such a fantastic idea for entertaining! Beautiful post!
Terri Gilson
Thanks, Justine!
Sean@Diversivore
There's nothing quite like the simple combination of ingredients that make up a caprese. It's always so good, and it really emphasizes the quality of the ingredients (which always makes me happy). Very nice to see a new and interesting take on presenting this classic. Cheers.
Terri Gilson
Thank you, Sean!
Sue
These look right up my alley. No fuss is just the way I like it. I ate captese salad daily in Italy. So delicious and balanced the gelato nicely.
Terri Gilson
Mmmmm... caprese salad in Italy! Must have been amazing, Sue! Yes, quick and easy is the best- this time of the year, especially! 🙂
Sharon
So simple! Perfect to throw together at the last minute. The best thing is everyone loves caprese anything! Always popular. 🙂
Joyce
Looks delicious!
Elaine @ Flavour and Savour
Quick, easy and always popular! Everyone loves these tiny bites on a stick!