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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewer Bento Box Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto

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These fresh mini Caprese skewers with a zesty pesto are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer or light lunch perfect for any occasion. Featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a flavorful homemade pesto, they are fresh, vibrant, and portable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 20–25 cherry tomatoes
  • 20–25 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
  • 20–25 fresh basil leaves
  • 4-inch wooden or bamboo skewers
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (for pesto)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts as substitute)
  • 2 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  2. Add fresh basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt to a food processor.
  3. Pulse a few times to combine. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stop and scrape down sides as needed.
  4. Add fresh lemon juice and pulse once more to incorporate. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Set aside.
  5. Rinse and dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  6. Thread one cherry tomato, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto each skewer. Repeat layers if desired but keep bite-sized.
  7. Arrange skewers neatly in a Bento box or serving dish.
  8. Spoon pesto into a small container or ramekin to keep separate until serving.
  9. When ready to serve, drizzle pesto over skewers or serve as a dip.
  10. Enjoy fresh, flavorful mini Caprese skewers perfect for snacking or light meals.

Notes

Toast pine nuts to enhance flavor. Dry tomatoes and basil well to prevent sogginess. Assemble skewers without pesto if prepping ahead; add pesto just before serving. Pesto can be made slightly chunky or smooth based on preference. Substitute nuts or cheese for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, mini skewers, pesto, appetizer, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy recipe, picnic food, healthy snack

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewer-bento-box-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pesto/