Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers

Jessica

🍽️✨ The taste ambassador

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Summer evenings in our backyard are incomplete without something fresh and flavorful to kick off the barbecue. This year, these Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers have become an absolute staple. From the vibrant colors to the tangy marinade and the satisfying pop of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, they’re a hit with everyone, from the kids who devour them straight off the grill to the adults who appreciate them with a glass of chilled white wine. What I love most is how incredibly easy they are to throw together – minimal prep, maximum flavor. They’re the perfect appetizer to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, and honestly, they disappear faster than I can make them! If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning appetizer that embodies the taste of summer, look no further. These skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 1 pound. These small, fresh mozzarella balls are perfect for skewers. Bocconcini are slightly larger, while ciliegine are cherry-sized. Opt for good quality fresh mozzarella packed in water for the best flavor and texture.
Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes: 1 pint. Use ripe, firm cherry or grape tomatoes. A mix of colors (red, yellow, orange) will add visual appeal. Choose tomatoes that are plump and not overly soft.
Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 cup. Fresh basil is essential for that classic Caprese flavor. Look for bright green, fragrant leaves. Italian basil is the most common and works wonderfully.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup. High-quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the marinade. It provides richness and flavor. Choose an olive oil with a fruity and slightly peppery taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: ¼ cup. Balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the marinade. A good quality balsamic will have a syrupy consistency and a complex flavor.
Garlic: 2 cloves. Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory note to the marinade. Mince it finely or use a garlic press to release maximum flavor.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Dried oregano provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other Italian flavors. Use good quality dried oregano for the best taste.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Salt: To taste. Use sea salt or kosher salt to season the marinade and bring out the flavors of the ingredients.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent and aromatic element to the marinade.

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the marinade is well combined and slightly emulsified. This ensures all the flavors are properly mixed.
Marinate the Mozzarella and Tomatoes: Drain the mozzarella balls from their liquid and pat them dry gently with paper towels. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. Add the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. Ensure that all the mozzarella balls and tomatoes are coated in the marinade for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Basil: Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves. Add the chopped basil to the bowl with the mozzarella and tomatoes. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the basil is distributed throughout. Adding the basil at this stage allows its fresh aroma to infuse into the marinade and ingredients.
Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable container. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours for deeper flavor. The longer marinating time allows the mozzarella and tomatoes to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful skewer. You can marinate for up to 4 hours, but be mindful that prolonged marinating can slightly soften the mozzarella.
Assemble the Skewers: Remove the marinated mozzarella and tomatoes from the refrigerator. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning if grilling or broiling. Thread the mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves onto skewers in an alternating pattern. You can use small wooden skewers, bamboo skewers, or metal skewers. Aim for a visually appealing and balanced skewer with a mix of colors and textures. A typical pattern would be tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf (folded in half), tomato, mozzarella, basil leaf, and so on.
Serve or Chill: The Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers are ready to serve immediately. For best flavor, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, especially if they have been refrigerated for a longer period. Alternatively, you can chill them for later, but they are best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours of assembly. If chilling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – approximately 2 skewers, based on 8 servings)

Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 180-220 kcal per serving (This can vary based on the type of mozzarella and olive oil used)
Fat: 15-18g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping, mixing marinade, threading skewers)
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (minimum 30 minutes, optimal 1-2 hours)
Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating time)

Description: This recipe is incredibly quick to prepare. The active prep time is minimal, primarily involving chopping garlic and basil, mixing the marinade, and assembling the skewers. The majority of the time is passive marinating time, allowing the flavors to develop and infuse into the mozzarella and tomatoes. Even with the minimum marinating time, you’ll achieve delicious results. For a more profound flavor, plan for a longer marinating period.

How to Serve

These Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Appetizer/Starter:
- Party Platter: Arrange the skewers attractively on a platter alongside other appetizers like olives, cured meats, and crusty bread for a beautiful antipasto spread.
- Pre-Dinner Nibble: Serve them as a refreshing and light appetizer before a main meal, especially during summer gatherings or barbecues.
- Cocktail Hour Snack: Pair them with your favorite cocktails, like a classic Aperol Spritz or a crisp white wine, for a sophisticated and flavorful snack.
Salad Component:
- Caprese Salad Upgrade: Deconstruct a classic Caprese salad by placing the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or arugula. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze or a light vinaigrette for a more substantial salad.
- Grilled Vegetable Salad Addition: Add these skewers to a grilled vegetable salad for extra flavor and protein. They complement grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant beautifully.
Main Course Accompaniment:
- Side Dish for Grilled Meats or Fish: Serve them as a vibrant and fresh side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or shrimp. The acidity of the marinade cuts through the richness of grilled proteins.
- Pasta Salad Enhancer: Chop the skewers and toss them into a cold pasta salad for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They pair particularly well with pesto pasta salads or Italian-style pasta salads.
Picnic or Potluck Favorite:
- Portable and Easy to Eat: These skewers are perfect for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. They are easy to transport, require no utensils, and are delicious at room temperature.
- Bring-Along to BBQs: They are always a welcome addition to any barbecue spread, offering a lighter and fresher option amidst heavier grilled fare.
Creative Presentation Ideas:
- Vertical Skewer Stand: Arrange the skewers upright in a decorative skewer stand for an elegant presentation.
- Garnish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers just before serving for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil, oregano, or parsley leaves around the skewers on the serving platter for a pop of color and aroma.

Additional Tips for Perfect Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers

Choose Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of this recipe means the quality of ingredients truly shines. Opt for good quality fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and flavorful extra virgin olive oil for the best possible taste. Using low-quality ingredients will noticeably impact the final flavor.
Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating enhances the flavor, avoid marinating for too long, especially for mozzarella. Prolonged marinating can make the mozzarella texture slightly rubbery. 1-2 hours is generally ideal. If you marinate for longer, keep an eye on the mozzarella’s texture.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading. This prevents them from burning if you decide to grill or broil the skewers briefly (though this recipe is typically served fresh). Soaking also makes them easier to thread.
Pat Mozzarella Dry: Before marinating, gently pat the mozzarella balls dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and prevents the skewers from becoming watery. Excess moisture can dilute the marinade’s flavor.
Vary the Tomatoes: Experiment with different types of tomatoes for visual appeal and flavor variation. Use a mix of red, yellow, orange, or even heirloom cherry tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are also a good alternative to cherry tomatoes.
Add Other Vegetables (Optional): While traditionally mozzarella and tomato, you can add other complementary vegetables to your skewers. Consider adding marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, bell pepper pieces (especially roasted red pepper), or small cubes of cucumber for added texture and flavor.
Grill or Broil Briefly (Optional): For a slightly smoky and warm skewer, you can briefly grill or broil them for just a minute or two per side. This adds a nice char and warmth, but be careful not to melt the mozzarella too much. Grilling is best done over medium heat and watched closely.
Make Ahead and Assemble Later: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the mozzarella and tomatoes in advance (up to 4 hours). Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the skewers closer to serving time for the freshest presentation. This is a great time-saving tip for parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the mozzarella and tomatoes up to 4 hours in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the skewers closer to serving time to maintain the freshness and prevent the basil from wilting. If assembled in advance, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 hours to maintain optimal quality.

Q2: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella balls?
A: While fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are ideal for skewers due to their size and texture, you can use regular mozzarella. Cut a block of mozzarella into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch cubes) that are easy to thread onto skewers. Fresh mozzarella, however, will offer a softer, creamier texture compared to low-moisture mozzarella.

Q3: What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? Can I substitute it?
A: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar. Add a small pinch of sugar or honey to mimic the slight sweetness of balsamic vinegar. You can also use balsamic glaze as a substitute by thinning it slightly with a bit of olive oil and vinegar.

Q4: Can I add other herbs to the marinade?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fresh or dried Italian herbs. Fresh oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley would all be delicious additions. You can also add a pinch of dried basil if you want to enhance the basil flavor further.

Q5: How long will marinated mozzarella and tomato skewers last in the refrigerator?
A: Assembled skewers are best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours of assembly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the basil might wilt slightly, and the texture of the mozzarella may change slightly after refrigeration. For best quality, consume them as soon as possible.

Q6: Can I grill these skewers?
A: Yes, you can grill these skewers briefly to add a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for just 1-2 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent the mozzarella from melting too much. Grilling is optional but can add a nice depth of flavor.

Q7: Are these skewers vegetarian and gluten-free?
A: Yes, these Marinated Mozzarella and Tomato Skewers are naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. They are made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, all of which are vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients.

Q8: Can I make these skewers vegan?
A: To make these skewers vegan, you would need to substitute the fresh mozzarella with a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are several plant-based mozzarella options available made from cashews, almonds, or other plant-based ingredients. Ensure the vegan mozzarella is suitable for skewers and marinating. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.