The Inspiration Behind Fresh Caprese Skewers
My Favorite is Fresh Caprese Skewers and I’ve always loved Italian cuisine, especially when it’s simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The idea for these Fresh Caprese Skewers came to me during a sunny afternoon in my garden. I was picking ripe tomatoes from the vine when I thought about creating something easy yet impressive for an upcoming dinner party. I wanted a dish that captured the essence of summer—light, refreshing, and full of color. That’s when I decided to put a twist on the classic Caprese salad by adding a hint of sweetness and a spicy kick.
Perfecting the Jalapeño-Lime Oil
To elevate the traditional Caprese flavors, I knew I needed something bold. The idea of jalapeño-lime oil excited me because it’s both zesty and spicy, perfect for adding a new dimension to the skewers. I carefully roasted the jalapeño to bring out its smoky depth, then blended it with lime juice and a touch of orange juice for sweetness. As the oil steeped, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of garlic and citrus. I could already imagine how well this would pair with the fresh ingredients on the skewers.
Assembling the Skewers
When it came time to assemble the skewers, I wanted to create a balance of flavors and textures. I carefully threaded each skewer with a juicy cherry tomato, a soft mozzarella ball, a fragrant basil leaf, and a sweet peach chunk. The contrast of the vibrant colors made the skewers look as beautiful as they would taste. I couldn’t wait to drizzle them with the jalapeño-lime oil. The anticipation of that first bite was almost too much to bear, knowing the flavors would dance on the palate.
The Final Touches
Just before my guests arrived, I gave the skewers their final touch—a generous drizzle of the infused oil, followed by a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. The skewers glistened under the soft evening light, inviting everyone to dive in. As we enjoyed them together, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing I had created something that was not only delicious but also a perfect reflection of the summer season. These Fresh Caprese Skewers quickly became a favorite, and I knew they would be a go-to for any occasion, from casual BBQs to elegant dinner parties.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Fresh Caprese Skewers
- You can prepare the jalapeño-lime oil up to 2 days in advance. The flavors will develop even more, making the oil even tastier.
- Feel free to add extras like thinly sliced prosciutto, olives, or even a few toasted pine nuts to add more variety and texture.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before roasting. For more heat, use two jalapeños or include some of the seeds.
- Experiment with other fruits like mango or pineapple for a tropical twist or apple for a crisp, sweet flavor.
- For an elegant presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese.
Fresh Caprese Skewers
4
skewers30
minutes0
minutes150
kcal30
minutes1
hourThese Fresh Caprese Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering! Bursting with vibrant flavors from juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and sweet peaches, all drizzled with a zesty jalapeño-lime oil, this appetizer is sure to impress. Assemble them ahead of time and simply season before serving for a stress-free party treat. Perfect for any occasion, these skewers are a delightful blend of freshness and spice!
Ingredients
- Jalapeño-Lime Oil
jalapeño pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, smashed
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp orange juice or agave nectar
- Skewers
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
1 cup mini mozzarella balls
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup peaches, diced into 1-inch pieces
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Jalapeño-Lime Oil Preparation – Over an open flame or on a grill pan, char the jalapeño until it is blackened on all sides. Wrap it in foil and let it steam for about 10 minutes to soften.
- Oil Mixture – Slice the roasted jalapeño in half and combine it in a small bowl with the olive oil, smashed garlic clove, lime juice, and orange juice or agave nectar. Allow the mixture to steep at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Strain Oil – After steeping, remove and discard the jalapeño and garlic from the oil mixture.
- Skewer Assembly – Thread each skewer with a cherry tomato, mini mozzarella ball, fresh basil leaf, and a chunk of peach. This step can be done up to 4 hours in advance; keep the skewers chilled until ready to serve.
- Final Touches – Just before serving, generously drizzle the skewers with the prepared jalapeño-lime oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
FAQ- Fresh Caprese Skewers
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers up to 4 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Drizzle with the jalapeño-lime oil and season just before serving.
How can I store leftover jalapeño-lime oil?
Store any leftover jalapeño-lime oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can use it to add flavor to other dishes like salads or grilled vegetables.
What can I use instead of peaches?
If you prefer, you can use diced mango, pineapple, or even apple for a different fruity twist. Each will provide a unique flavor profile.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make the skewers vegan, substitute the mini mozzarella balls with cubed vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely. The skewers will still be delicious and flavorful.
Can I use another type of pepper in the jalapeño-lime oil?
Yes, you can use serrano pepper for more heat or bell pepper fo
