Delightful Red and Green Caprese Skewers for Fresh Appetizers

I still remember the first time someone in my family asked me to make Red and Green Caprese Skewers. It was a small get-together with close friends, and one of them mentioned wanting a fresh, colorful appetizer that felt light but flavorful. I thought a quick spin on traditional Caprese salad skewers would do just the trick. When I brought out the vibrant Red and Green Caprese Skewers, everyone’s eyes lit up. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil was a perfect crowd-pleaser that brought smiles all around the table.

Since then, Red and Green Caprese Skewers have become one of our go-to appetizer skewers whenever we want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. What makes these skewers stick around in our meal rotation is how easy they are to prepare and how they bring people together around the table. Even picky eaters at our dinner table ask for seconds.

I’ve learned a few kitchen tips over time that take these mozzarella and tomato skewers from simple to memorable. Balancing the flavors with just the right amount of basil pesto skewers drizzle or a touch of balsamic glaze helps bring the whole dish forward. The best part is how this appetizer brings vibrant red and green colors to the table, making meal time feel festive.

If you want to try a recipe that offers quick prep, fresh ingredients, and a little Italian flair, Red and Green Caprese Skewers are perfect. They make great Italian antipasto skewers for any gathering, from a busy weeknight to a celebration. You’ll love how easy it is to whip them up and watch your family and friends come together around something delicious. Let me share what you’ll need to get started.

What You’ll Need

To make these Red and Green Caprese Skewers just right, you’ll want simple fresh ingredients you can find easily at any grocery store. Here’s what I use every time:

  • Fresh cherry tomatoes (about 20) – I go for red and green varieties to get that festive look
  • Mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) (around 20) – Look for quality mozzarella that is soft but holds its shape
  • Fresh basil leaves (20 whole leaves) – The fresher the better for this Red and Green Caprese Skewers recipe
  • Basil pesto (2 tablespoons) – Adds extra bright flavor and ties the skewers together nicely
  • Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon) – For light drizzling
  • Balsamic glaze (optional, 1 tablespoon) – A little sweetness helps bring out the tomatoes’ flavor
  • Small wooden skewers or toothpicks (20) – Appetizer skewers that are the perfect size for serving
Fresh ingredients for Red and Green Caprese Skewers including cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil leaves, and pesto

For the best Red and Green Caprese Skewers, I recommend choosing ripe but firm cherry tomatoes. They shouldn’t be too soft or the skewers can get messy. Mozzarella and tomato skewers will also benefit from fresh basil leaves without bruising. If you can find basil pesto made with fresh pine nuts and good olive oil, it really brings this recipe to another level.

You’ll find everything for these Red and Green Caprese Skewers at your regular grocery store’s produce and cheese section. Don’t stress if you can’t find mini mozzarella balls—cutting fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces works just as well.

This Red and Green Caprese Skewers recipe is forgiving if you need to swap out ingredients. If green cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use grape tomatoes or even small heirloom tomatoes in different colors. Basil pesto skewers can be swapped for a simple drizzle of olive oil and salt instead.

To make prep easier for your Red and Green Caprese Skewers, wash your tomatoes and basil leaves ahead, and drain the mozzarella well. This keeps the skewers neat and gives a perfect bite every time. My family prefers when I use homemade pesto from my garden basil for an extra fresh touch.

How to Make It

Making Red and Green Caprese Skewers doesn’t have to be complicated or take much time. I usually set aside about 20 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how I put them together:

  1. Start by washing all your tomatoes and basil leaves well. Dry everything thoroughly. Moisture makes appetizer skewers soggy, so this step is key.
  2. Drain the mozzarella balls well. You want them soft and creamy, but not dripping with liquid. Patting them dry with paper towels helps.
  3. Take a wooden skewer and start threading the ingredients in this order: one cherry tomato, one mozzarella ball, and one basil leaf folded to fit. This order keeps the colors nice and balanced on your Red and Green Caprese Skewers.
  4. Repeat until you have about 20 skewers lined up on a serving platter.
  5. Drizzle each skewer lightly with olive oil and basil pesto – a little goes a long way to add freshness and flavor.
  6. Optional: Add a touch of balsamic glaze on top for a slight sweetness that elevates these Italian antipasto skewers further.
  7. You’ll know your Red and Green Caprese Skewers are ready when they look bright and fresh, with a nice balance of colors and no watery drips.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before guests arrive.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Red and Green Caprese Skewers – I’d rush threading and end up with squished basil or too much liquid making the skewers soggy. Now I always remember to dry everything really well and fold basil leaves gently for the perfect bite size.

While your kitchen won’t have much cooking smells – since this recipe is no-cook – the fresh aroma of basil and olive oil drifting through while assembling Red and Green Caprese Skewers feels inviting.

If you want a shortcut, you can buy pre-made appetizer skewers kits or pre-cut veggies, but I find prepping by hand keeps this recipe special and homemade tasting.

Serving Ideas

Our family loves to bring these Red and Green Caprese Skewers to any gathering, and they disappear fast! They pair perfectly with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.

We often serve them alongside easy sides like crusty bread or vegetable dips for a complete appetizer spread. They also go well with Southern turnip greens recipes or mustard greens for a bit of a Southern twist – a combo that guests always mention as a favorite meal win.

Finished Red and Green Caprese Skewers arranged on a platter ready to serve

Red and Green Caprese Skewers are great for celebrations like birthdays, summer barbecues, or anytime you need a last-minute, impressive appetizer skewers option. I like to arrange them on a pretty platter in alternating rows of red and green for a festive look.

Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for about a day but honestly, there usually aren’t leftovers! If you do have some, popping them onto a salad the next day works wonderfully.

We’ve tried a few variations of this recipe with success: swapping basil pesto skewers for a drizzle of herbed vinaigrette, adding olives for an Italian antipasto skewers twist, or pairing mozzarella and tomato skewers with slices of prosciutto for extra protein.

Feedback on this recipe is always positive – family and friends tell me it feels fresh and easy to eat but still special enough to make any meal festive. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy our Southern black-eyed peas with collard greens for a comforting side.

Your Questions Answered

I get a lot of questions about Red and Green Caprese Skewers from home cooks looking to make sure their appetizer skewers turn out great. Here are some answers based on what I’ve learned and what families have shared with me:

Can I make this Red and Green Caprese Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually make them a few hours before serving and keep them covered in the fridge. Just wait to add the pesto drizzle or balsamic glaze until right before serving so the skewers stay fresh.

What if I don’t have basil pesto for my Red and Green Caprese Skewers?

No worries! You can skip it or substitute with a simple drizzle of olive oil with a pinch of salt. Fresh basil leaves alone give plenty of flavor.

How do I store leftover Red and Green Caprese Skewers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 24 hours. I recommend eating them cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Can I use different tomatoes?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes are easiest, but grape tomatoes or small heirlooms work great too. Using mixed colors adds to that red and green look.

Is there a way to make these appetizer skewers kid-friendly?

Definitely. My kids love when I leave off the balsamic glaze and make sure the basil leaves are small and tender. They enjoy picking the skewers up and eating them like finger food.

What’s a good appetizer to serve alongside Red and Green Caprese Skewers?

Try pairing with mustard greens or a simple Italian antipasto skewers platter with olives and marinated veggies. It rounds out the meal beautifully.

Can I add meat to these Red and Green Caprese Skewers?

Yes! Adding prosciutto or salami slices folded on the skewers brings a salty, savory twist. Our family loves this variation for casual get-togethers.

Those are some of the most common questions I hear, but you can always reach out if you want tips for your kitchen or meal planning. And if you’re curious about other appetizer ideas, check out this Caprese Skewers holiday appetizer and another heartwarming recipe from Love and Lemons.

The Final Word

Red and Green Caprese Skewers have earned a special spot in our family’s recipe collection because they are simple, fresh, and bring everyone to the table. They remind me of moments filled with laughter and shared plates.

My Red and Green Caprese Skewers Tips:
– Always dry your mozzarella and tomatoes well for neat appetizer skewers
– Fold basil leaves gently to keep their bright flavor intact
– Drizzle pesto or balsamic glaze lightly – it’s about balance, not amount

I’ve enjoyed trying different versions: the classic with just basil pesto, one with prosciutto folded on skewers, and even a veggie-only option with roasted red peppers added. Younger family members love the classic, while adults enjoy the antipasto twist.

I encourage you to make these Red and Green Caprese Skewers your own by adjusting ingredients to fit your family’s tastes. Try them for your next meal when you want something fresh, colorful, and crowd-pleasing.

I hope your family loves this recipe as much as mine does. Here’s to many happy family meals with delicious Red and Green Caprese Skewers bringing you all together.

For more recipe inspiration to complement your Italian antipasto skewers, don’t forget to visit Southern turnip greens recipes and catering ideas that include Caprese salad skewers.

Happy cooking to you and your family!

Print

Red and Green Caprese Skewers

Red and Green Caprese Skewers are a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian salad, combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a perfect bite-sized appetizer.

  • Author: Vienna Ellis
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint red cherry tomatoes
  • 1 pint green cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves; pat dry.
  2. On each skewer or toothpick, thread one red cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, and one green cherry tomato.
  3. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the skewers.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the skewers with freshly cracked black pepper or add a few drops of pesto before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!