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Easy Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe with Fresh Pesto Dip Perfect for Parties

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These Easy Mini Caprese Skewers with Fresh Pesto Dip are a quick, fresh, and vibrant appetizer perfect for parties and casual get-togethers. Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and a punchy homemade pesto, they are simple to assemble and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20 cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
  • 20 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
  • 20 fresh basil leaves (small to medium-sized, tender)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling and pesto)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 20 mini wooden skewers or toothpicks
  • For the Fresh Pesto Dip:
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds as substitute)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Make the pesto dip: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse until coarsely blended.
  3. Drizzle in olive oil: With the processor running, slowly add about 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth but still a bit textured. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the skewers: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water, then pat dry carefully to avoid bruising.
  5. Assemble the mini Caprese skewers: On each mini skewer, thread one cherry tomato, followed by a folded basil leaf, and finish with a mozzarella ball. Repeat until all ingredients are used (about 20 skewers).
  6. Season the skewers: Arrange the skewers on a platter. Lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over them.
  7. Serve with pesto dip: Place the pesto dip in a small bowl alongside the skewers for dipping. Garnish the pesto with a sprinkle of pine nuts or a basil leaf if desired.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella balls for best texture. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Dry basil and tomatoes thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Pesto can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning. For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese balls or marinated tofu cubes. Optionally drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, mini appetizers, pesto dip, party food, easy recipes, finger food, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/easy-mini-caprese-skewers-recipe-with-fresh-pesto-dip-perfect-for-parties/