fresh basil leaves wrapped around cherry tomatoes and mozzarella on white plate

If you’re a fan of Caprese salad, you’re going to love these easy Caprese Bites with Balsamic Drizzle. And if you’re not familiar with the Caprese salad, let me fill you in. Caprese salad is a simple Italian salad that layers together thick slices of fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Some top it with extra-virgin olive oil, but that is not required. I love this salad in the summer when the tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden.

Just as good, is when I have lots of cherry or grape tomatoes available. Since I can’t layer them with slices of mozzarella very easily, I simply cut the fresh mozzarella balls into smaller pieces or use a smaller size. I cut the cherry tomatoes in half and wrapped a fresh basil leaf around both. And instead of oil, I top these Caprese bites with a little balsamic drizzle.

Cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella wrapped with fresh basil leaves on white plate

The flavors all blend together perfectly – sweet cherry tomatoes, mild and creamy mozzarella, and the wonderful flavor of fresh basil. And the balsamic drizzle adds just a touch of tanginess. They disappear as soon as they are passed around the table. Too quick. It seems you always want just one more bite, one more taste.  Seriously, these Caprese Bites are the best summer appetizer!

So if you have fresh tomatoes and fresh basil, use them now. Savor these healthy, fresh flavors of summer. They don’t last long. Put out a plate of these Caprese Bites and watch them disappear.

What makes this a healthy appetizer?

For starters, you’ve got tomatoes which are low in calories but packed full of nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Mozzarella cheese adds a touch of good quality protein. And fresh basil adds in some Vitamin K. When you package all this in a delicious, low-calorie appetizer, you have a winner.

looking down on white plate with skewers of cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella wrapped with fresh basil leaves

Can I make Caprese Bites dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite fresh non-dairy cheese, like goat cheese. Just choose one that’s softer, like fresh mozzarella.

[Tweet “Savor the healthy, fresh flavors of summer with a plate of these Caprese Bites!”]

Caprese Bites with Balsamic Drizzle

Skewers of fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella are topped with a velvety balsamic drizzle.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basil, caprese, easy, summer, tomatoes
Servings: 6
Author: Marie

Ingredients

  • 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes **See Note
  • 2 handful Fresh basil
  • 8 oz. Fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions

  • Wash tomatoes and basil and set on clean paper towels to dry. Slice mozzarella balls into 3 or 4 slices each. Cut tomatoes in half. ** (see note)
  • Poke one end of a larger basil leaf with a toothpick, slide on a tomato half and a slice of the mozzarella ball. Wrap the tomato and mozzarella with basil by poking the other end of the basil leaf with the toothpick.
  • Set each skewer on a plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Notes

** If your cherry or grape tomatoes are on the small side, leave them whole instead of cutting them in half.

**Note: If your cherry or grape tomatoes are on the small side leave them whole instead of cutting in half.

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collage of two pictures of cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella wrapped with fresh basil leaves on a white plate

Thank you for sharing!

14 Comments

  1. Summer is going by too quickly! I just pinned these when I saw them in FBC, Marie, and had to come see more! I’m all about tomato and basil and I’m with you – we have them for such a short time that we have to make the most of them.
    Time goes by so quickly doesn’t it? Adorable little boy!
    Enjoy your long weekend!

  2. Oh, these look delish! Can’t wait to try it. I am in your shoes, my oldest turned 17 last month and I just don’t quite believe it myself! I know I am in denial. Like you, I plan to savor this year and next and then he too will be spreading his wings. No more battling the bad guys with plastic swords and picking all the flowers to dump in Momma’s lap. *sigh* Those were the good ole days and I’ll always treasure the memories! Enjoyed your post!

    ~Angela

    1. Plastic swords and picking flowers – love those memories too! I guess we just keep making new ones, right, and savor those? Thanks for visiting, Angela! It’s nice to know others feel the same way when their kids get older. Have a great day! 🙂

  3. Pingback: Healthy Oscar Party Appetizer Recipes | Luvo

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