“Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle”

If you have more fresh basil than you know what to do with, try these quick little appetizers on for size. Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle are a cinch to put together and refreshingly delicious. Summer brings the best flavors to tomatoes and of course, fresh herbs. Grab some grape tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and Balsamic vinegar to create these little gems. Sweet, tart goodness of the vinegar with the tart, fresh, juicy tomatoes and spicy fresh basil are a match that can’t be beat. I threw these together for a birthday party recently and I made just enough to feed the masses. Try my Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle and watch them disappear one by one in minutes.

Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle

Caprese Salad Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle

24 red grape or small tomatoes

24 yellow grape or small tomatoes

24 pitted green olives

24 fresh cherry-size mozzarella balls (Ciliegine)

Handful fresh Basil leaves, torn or chiffonade cut (thin strips)

Olive oil

Sea Salt

Fresh ground black pepper

Appetizer skewers

Balsamic Drizzle (recipe follows)

In a large mixing bowl, place tomatoes, olives, and mozzarella. Drizzle Olive oil over mixture and sprinkle generously with pepper; mix until well coated. Thread red or yellow tomato, olive, mozzarella ball and red or yellow tomato on each skewer. Place on individual serving plates or serving platter. Pour any remaining Olive oil from mixing bowl over skewers. Sprinkle basil over top of skewers. When ready to serve, sprinkle on sea salt and drizzle balsamic vinegar over top of skewers.

Balsamic Drizzle

1 1/2 cups balsamic vinegar

3 t. sugar

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, boil vinegar mixture until reduced by half, about 10 – 15 minutes. Vinegar drizzle will thicken as it cools. Cool before use and can be made ahead of time.