Heart-Shaped Caprese Salad Skewers
These playful heart-shaped Caprese salad skewers are a quick, healthy, and visually stunning party appetizer featuring juicy grape tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. Perfect for gatherings, romantic dinners, or a cheerful snack, they come together in under 20 minutes and are naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 24 grape tomatoes (firm and bright red)
- 24 fresh mozzarella pearls (about 8 oz)
- 24 fresh basil leaves (small to medium, whole or torn if large)
- 24 wooden toothpicks or small cocktail skewers
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste (preferably flaky Maldon salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the grape tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella pearls.
- Slice each grape tomato diagonally from top to bottom. Rotate one half and fit the two pointed ends together to form a heart shape. Use a toothpick to hold them if needed.
- In a small bowl, toss mozzarella pearls with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place a basil leaf between the tomato heart and mozzarella pearl. Tear large leaves in half if needed.
- Thread one tomato heart, one basil leaf, and one seasoned mozzarella pearl onto each wooden toothpick or cocktail skewer.
- Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and, if desired, 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with extra salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For best results, use firm grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls. Chill ingredients before assembly for easier handling. If making ahead, assemble up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate, adding olive oil and balsamic glaze just before serving. Vegan cheese can be substituted for dairy-free guests. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs or a slice of prosciutto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Caprese, salad skewers, heart-shaped, party appetizer, mozzarella, basil, tomato, gluten-free, vegetarian, easy, Valentine’s Day, healthy snack