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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers Recipe Easy Homemade Pesto Dipping Sauce

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These fresh mini Caprese skewers with homemade pesto dipping sauce are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Perfect for any occasion, they combine fresh flavors with a bright, herbaceous pesto.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup (30g) pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • 4-inch (10cm) wooden or bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the pesto dipping sauce by combining toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of water or more olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce. Set aside.
  3. Rinse cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, then pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  4. Assemble each skewer by threading one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, and finishing with another cherry tomato or basil leaf as preferred.
  5. Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle balsamic glaze sparingly if using.
  6. Serve the pesto dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the platter for dipping.

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Pat mozzarella dry to prevent soggy skewers. If pesto is too thick, add water or olive oil to loosen. Pesto can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored airtight with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent browning. For dairy-free options, substitute mozzarella with firm tofu or vegan cheese and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Balsamic glaze is optional but adds a sweet-tart finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, pesto dipping sauce, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, party food, finger food

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewers-recipe-easy-homemade-pesto-dipping-sauce/