These Caprese Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze are healthy, incredibly delicious and make the perfect festive appetizer for Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day weekend!
Okay you guys, blueberries and balsamic should always be together. I seriously might need to make this a rule. I mean who doesn’t love a classic caprese combo of tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella, but THIS blueberry balsamic glaze just takes everything to the next level!
If you haven’t already noticed from this recipe, this one and, oh yeah, THIS one, I’ve been pretty obsessed with making cute little star shapes out of my food for the 4th of July. I mean maybe it’s because I have a child now (yeah let’s blame it on that), but I have always loved a good theme and these caprese skewers would be a total hit at any July 4th celebration or cookout! Not only are they so simple to make and quick to put together, they’ll be the ultimate statement piece on your table! Plus it’s basically a salad on a stick. How can you resist that??
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherry tomatoes (grape tomatoes will work too)
- Mozzarella (I used a block of mozzarella that I cut into 1/2-inch strips to make the stars, but you could use fresh mozzarella balls if you preferred!)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Blueberries
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Wooden skewers
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can make something SO delicious and pretty impressive too! I ended up having tons of blueberries leftover after making this red, white and blueberry fruit salad, so I thought they’d taste great with all the juicy tomatoes and fresh basil I had sitting in my fridge. Boy was I right!
How to Make Caprese Skewers
These skewers are super quick and easy to assemble! I used 6-inch bamboo skewers and they ended up being the perfect size to fit everything. First layer on a blueberry, followed by a cherry tomato, a fresh basil leaf that I folded over, then a star-shaped mozzarella slice. (I used these star-shaped cookie cutters to make the stars!) Then just finish the skewer off with another basil leaf, tomato and blueberry on the other end. Simple as that!
How to Make Blueberry Balsamic Glaze
While you’re assembling the skewers, the blueberry balsamic glaze can simmer on the stove. This is really simple to make too, just add blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Mix to combine and smash the blueberries with the back of your spoon or a potato masher as they heat up. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat a bit and let the balsamic glaze simmer on the stove for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every now and then. The mixture will become a thick, syrupy like glaze that’s perfect for drizzling over these skewers!
Can I Make these Ahead of Time?
You sure can! To easily make this ahead of time, thread your skewers and cover them with plastic wrap and they should keep in the fridge for a MAX of two days, although I suggest just doing this the day before. The blueberry balsamic glaze can be stored in an airtight container (I like to use a small mason jar) in the fridge for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply our back into the saucepan and let it heat back up then drizzle over the skewers right before serving!
This delicious blueberry balsamic glaze would also taste amazing over salmon, pork or even chicken! Hope you all enjoy this recipe and have a great 4th of July holiday!
Caprese Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
For the caprese skewers:
- 24 cherry tomatoes, about 1 pint
- 1 16 oz block of mozzarella cheese (if you want to make stars) or 12 balls
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 24 blueberries
- 12 6″ wooden skewers
For the blueberry balsamic glaze:
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey, or maple syrup
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- On each wooden skewer, thread on a blueberry, followed by tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella star (or ball), followed by another basil leaf, tomato and finished with a blueberry. Feel free to skewer these in any order you’d like! This recipe is for 12 caprese skewers.
- To make the blueberry balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey and lemon juice, mixing well. As the sauce warms up, mash the blueberries with the back of a spoon or use a potato masher and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down a bit and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries have broken down and the mixture is reduced to half. The consistency should be syrupy.
- Drizzle caprese skewers with blueberry balsamic glaze, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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