For Meatless Monday: Caprese Skewers

These are perfect for a meatless Monday, or any day! Caprese salad is made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. If you like Caprese salad, you'll love these appetizers, combining the same ingredients on a stick. Now is the perfect time to make them, since tomatoes are plentiful and basil is in full bloom. Drizzle with a marinade of fruity olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and black pepper.
Caprese Skewers
The Ingredients.
1 container Trader Joe's marinated mozzarella balls/pearls (about 2 dozen)
1 pkg. grape tomatoes
1 bunch fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
2 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. Sea salt
1/4 tsp. Black pepper
Pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp. dried basil or parsley (optional)
Small wooden skewers
The Directions.
1. Thread one tomato, one whole basil leaf and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer. If the basil leaves are large, I suggest you fold them in half.
2. Combine olive oil with balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, dried basil and sea salt & pepper. Shake well and drizzle over skewers just before serving (so fresh basil leaves don't turn black). I've been wanting to make these tasty little treats for ages and finally had a good reason to make them today. They're easy finger food in a convenient, single-bite size. Enjoy!