These dairy free caprese skewers combine the juicy fresh veggies of your garden with rich flavors of cheese. This bright and colorful appetizer works for any party or snack time.
recipe originally published May 10, 2011
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Why you'll love this caprese appetizer
We love the simplicity of caprese skewers, the hand held, mini version of the classic caprese salad.
The recipe itself is three ingredients and so easy to make, but the flavors are anything but simple. Bright juicy tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil are the best parts of my summer garden, and pairing them with a delicious dairy free mozzarella is basically science.
These skewers highlight the best of fresh veggie flavors, evoking that margherita pizza we loved in Italy.
Caprese skewers have absolutely been a crowd favorite at all of our parties, and I love this recipe because it is one of those last minute snacks you can assemble quickly.
This fresh, colorful appetizer has the bright flavors of summer in one bite. The party favorite all year long.
How to make these tomato basil appetizers
This dairy free caprese skewers appetizer is a super simple recipe, using only three ingredients and skewers or toothpicks.
I like to fold the fresh leaves of basil in half lengthwise, for a cleaner look and, well, twice as much basil flavor.
Choose a cherry or grape tomato, and all you need to do is wash and dry them. Slice the cheese into squares or as close to a square if it is a soft cheese, and just start assembling.
Wrap the basil leaves around the cheese, and skewer them between juicy tomatoes. Make these caprese skewers bite size or a longer skewer - I love the look of both.
Recipe notes and variations
My favorite way to make these is how you see the recipe - three ingredients, fresh vegetables. These are so good as is. If you'd like to change it up or make it fancy, here are some things we have done to elevate this appetizer.
- Drizzle skewers with balsamic vinegar or an Italian dressing.
- Use multicolored tomatoes for an even more vibrant presentation.
- If you are feeling adventurous, place skewers on indirect heat on grill a few minutes. Caprese skewers taste great grilled!
- Add other elements, like marinated artichoke hearts or roasted garlic cloves.
How long does this recipe last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy these fresh skewers within a day. The ingredients will last longer separately; my suggestion is to make as many as will be enjoyed immediately, or that same day.
Refrigerate overnight in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
Did you make these caprese skewers?
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Caprese Skewers
This fresh, colorful appetizer has the bright flavors of summer in one bite. The party favorite all year long.
Ingredients
- 40 fresh grape or cherry tomatoes
- 20 fresh basil leaves
- 1 block dairy free jalapeno havarti or your favorite cheese
- 20 cocktail skewers
Instructions
- Slice block of cheese into 1 centimeter squares.
- Thread one tomato onto a skewer.
- Fold a leaf of basil in half lengthwise, and wrap around a square of cheese. Add this to the skewer.
- Finish that skewer with one more tomato.
- Arrange on a serving plate.
- Continue with remaining ingredients for a platter full of skewers.
Notes
Recipe notes and variations
My favorite way to make these is how you see the recipe - three ingredients, fresh vegetables. These are so good as is. If you'd like to change it up or make it fancy, here are some things we have done to elevate this appetizer.
- Drizzle skewers with balsamic vinegar or an Italian dressing.
- Use multicolored tomatoes for an even more vibrant presentation.
- If you are feeling adventurous, place skewers on indirect heat on grill a few minutes. Caprese skewers taste great grilled!
- Add other elements, like marinated artichoke hearts or roasted garlic cloves.
How long does this recipe last?
My rule for maximum flavor and freshness is to enjoy these fresh skewers within a day. The ingredients will last longer separately; my suggestion is to make as many as will be enjoyed immediately, or that same day.
Refrigerate overnight in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
4 piecesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 4gSodium: 129mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
nutrition calculations results vary by calculator, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
about Kristina:
Kristina is spabettie! She found cooking at an early age, and created spabettie in 2010 to share vegan recipes. Kristina turned her culinary training into sharing vibrant vegan food! Read more...
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Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty says
So awesome! I used to always make these before dairy freeness!! They were always such a huge hit at parties. I also made a balsamic reduction and drizzeled it over!!!!!!!!!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
These are so beautiful! And they look delicious too!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I have to second (or third) the comment on the beauty of those skewers! Probably going to have to steal that idea many times this summer...although I'm not envisioning some sort of watermelon/mint leaf combo...
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
Those look beautiful! Wow. Best presentation I think I've ever seen.
Katie @ Up Fit Creek says
These are beautiful and look absolutely amazing! I can't wait for my basil and cherry tomatoes to be harvestable (that's a word now) so I can try them out!
Andrea @ Vegvacious says
Wow! These look amazing ~ as soon as I saw the pic on WIAW, I had to come right over and check them out. This would make an awesome appetizer for a BBQ with friends!
Jess@HealthyExposures says
These look wonderful; but how can anything caprese be bad, anyways?! I bet they are spectacular lightly grilled...ahhh, c'mon, summer! get here now!
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
I LOVE THESE! They're the perfect combination of beauty, taste, and freshness. I want them! (With chicken, of course. ;))
Chandeen @ Designed by Chance says
Wow these look amazing I so want to try this recipe.
S @ extremebalance.net/blog says
Everything you make is art---I would have hated to eat these because they were so pretty, but I'm 100% team Caprese, too!
Ah, the memories...
lindsay says
agreed. its so pretty. I would feel bad eating such glorious looking food!