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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers with Easy Homemade Basil Pesto Dip

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These fresh mini Caprese skewers paired with a vibrant homemade basil pesto dip are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes, washed (choose firm, ripe ones for best flavor)
  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size work perfectly)
  • Fresh basil leaves (small, tender leaves are ideal)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (a good-quality brand like California Olive Ranch for smoothness)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Wooden or bamboo mini skewers (6-inch length recommended)
  • For the Basil Pesto Dip:
  • Fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups, packed)
  • Garlic cloves (2 large, peeled)
  • Pine nuts (2 tablespoons; can substitute walnuts)
  • Parmesan cheese, finely grated (1/2 cup, packed)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup, plus more if needed)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pesto Dip: Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly (about 2 cups). In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to chop roughly.
  2. Add Olive Oil and Lemon: With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of olive oil until the mixture comes together into a smooth paste. Add lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto feels too thick, add a teaspoon of olive oil at a time to loosen it. Set aside.
  3. Assemble the Skewers: Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls well to avoid watery skewers. On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, then a basil leaf (folded if large), followed by a mozzarella ball. Repeat to fill the skewer, usually 2-3 sets per stick works well.
  4. Season the Skewers: Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Serve: Place the bowl of basil pesto dip alongside the skewers for dipping. Optionally, sprinkle some crushed pine nuts or extra Parmesan on top of the pesto.

Notes

Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil for best flavor. Drain mozzarella balls well to prevent soggy skewers. Pulse pesto ingredients in short bursts to avoid bitterness. Pesto can be made a day ahead and stored airtight in the fridge. For dairy-free pesto, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and double the nuts. Skewers can be assembled a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, basil pesto dip, appetizer, easy recipe, party snack, fresh, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, quick, vegetarian

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewers-recipe-easy-homemade-basil-pesto-dip/