These Caprese Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze are healthy, incredibly delicious, and make the perfect festive appetizer for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, or Labor Day weekend!
Blueberries and balsamic are an unexpectedly perfect pairing — tangy, sweet, and rich all at once. Combine that glaze with the classic Caprese trio of juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, and you have an appetizer that’s both elegant and easy. These skewers are eye-catching, simple to assemble, and ideal for summer gatherings. They’re basically a salad on a stick, which makes them fun to eat and simple to serve at a backyard barbecue or holiday party.
If you enjoy food that’s festive and a little playful, try cutting mozzarella into small star shapes or using fresh mozzarella balls for a quicker option. These skewers are especially great for patriotic-themed events, but they’re versatile enough for any occasion where a light, fresh appetizer is welcome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherry tomatoes (grape tomatoes will work too)
- Mozzarella — a 16 oz block for cutting shapes or 12 fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Fresh lemon juice
- Wooden skewers, approximately 6 inches
With only a handful of ingredients you can make an appetizer that looks special and tastes fantastic. These skewers are also a great way to use leftover blueberries from fruit salads or desserts. The sweet-tart blueberry glaze pairs beautifully with the tomato and basil, balancing the richness of the mozzarella.
How to Make Caprese Skewers
Assembly is fast and forgiving. Using a 6-inch skewer, thread on a blueberry, then a cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella star or ball. Repeat on the other end with another basil leaf, tomato, and finish with a blueberry. You can arrange the ingredients in any order you prefer; this recipe yields 12 skewers.
How to Make Blueberry Balsamic Glaze
While you assemble the skewers, make the glaze in a small saucepan. Combine 3/4 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup), and 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice over medium heat. As the mixture warms, gently mash the blueberries with the back of a spoon or a potato masher. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about half and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before drizzling.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes. Thread the skewers ahead and cover them with plastic wrap; they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two days, though making them the day before serving is best for freshness. Store the blueberry balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. To use again, warm the glaze gently on the stove before drizzling over the skewers.
The blueberry balsamic glaze is versatile — it also makes a wonderful finishing sauce for grilled salmon, pork, or chicken. Serve the skewers chilled or at room temperature and drizzle with glaze just before serving so they stay bright and fresh.
Recipe: Caprese Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze
Servings: 6 (about 12 skewers)
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins
For the caprese skewers:
- 24 cherry tomatoes (about 1 pint)
- 1 (16 oz) block mozzarella, cut into shapes, or 12 fresh mozzarella balls
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 24 blueberries
- 12 wooden 6-inch skewers
For the blueberry balsamic glaze:
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Assemble each skewer: blueberry, cherry tomato, folded basil leaf, mozzarella star or ball, another basil leaf, a second tomato, and finish with a blueberry. This recipe makes 12 skewers.
- To make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon juice. Warm and mash the blueberries with a spoon or potato masher. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until reduced by about half and syrupy in consistency.
- Drizzle the blueberry balsamic glaze over the assembled skewers just before serving. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Caprese skewers can be stored assembled in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add the glaze only just before serving for best texture and appearance.
- The blueberry balsamic glaze will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently before using.
Nutrition (approx.)
Serving: 2 skewers | Calories: 116 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4.8 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 64 mg | Fiber: 1.7 g | Sugar: 9.8 g
These Caprese Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze are simple to make, visually appealing, and full of fresh summer flavor — perfect for any seasonal gathering.