Mini Caprese Skewers with Watermelon and Basil

Recipe for Mini Caprese Skewers with Watermelon and Basil

Hello! What a joy to greet you. Today we are going to prepare an appetizer that screams summer and freshness in every bite, although I confess it's so festive that it looks spectacular on a Christmas table due to its vibrant colors. This recipe is a twist on the classic Italian salad; here we combine the juiciness of the watermelon, the sweet acidity of the cherry tomato and the salty touch of the serrano ham. It's a fresh recipe, no-cook and visually beautiful, ideal for when you want to show off as a hostess without spending hours in the kitchen. The contrast between the sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the mozzarella cheese is something your guests won't forget.

Preparation time

Getting organized in the kitchen is essential to enjoy the process. These skewers are very quick, but require a little patience when assembling them to make them neat.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 0 minutes
• Total: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 skewers
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

To achieve that authentic and balanced flavor, the quality of the raw ingredients is vital. Here is the exact list of what you need to succeed with this appetizer.

• 12 cherry tomatoes (look for firm and red ones)
• 12 watermelon cubes (similar in size to the tomatoes, approx. 2×2 cm)
• 12 mozzarella pearls (if you can't find them, use fresh mozzarella cheese cut into cubes)
• 12 basil leaves (fresh, large, and spotless)
• 6 slices of Serrano ham (cut in half lengthwise)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze to taste

For quick substitutions

If you don't have mozzarella pearls, you can replace them with panela cheese or fresh cheese cut into cubes, although the texture will be less creamy. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the Serrano ham; the combination of watermelon and cheese is still delicious.

Utensils we will use

You don't need sophisticated equipment for this recipe, but having the right tools on hand will make assembly much quicker.

• Cutting board (stable and clean)
• Chef's knife or sharp small knife (for cutting the watermelon and ham)
• Toothpicks, cocktail sticks, or short bamboo skewers
• Kitchen paper (to dry excess moisture from the cheese and fruit)
• Plate or serving platter (preferably flat and light-colored to highlight the ingredients)

Preparation

Let's assemble these delights step by step. The key here is order and delicacy so that each mini skewer remains firm and attractive.

1. Mise en place preparation

   Before starting to skewer, wash the cherry tomatoes and the leaves of basil under the tap with cold water. Dry both with kitchen paper very carefully so as not to bruise the leaves. Remove the mozzarella pearls from their whey and let them drain for a moment; if they are too wet, the oil will not adhere well.

2. Cutting the watermelon and ham

   Take the watermelon and cut cubes of approximately 2 to 3 centimeters, trying to make them the same size as the cherry tomatoes for a uniform aesthetic. On the other hand, take the slices of serrano ham and cut them in half lengthwise to obtain two thin strips from each slice. Make rolls with each strip.

3. Skewer assembly

   Take a toothpick or cocktail stick. First skewer a whole cherry tomato. Next, place a folded (if very large) or whole basil leaf. Continue with a pearl of mozzarella cheese. Then, insert the serrano ham roll and finish by skewering the cube of watermelon. The order may vary, but make sure the ends are firm (like the tomato and watermelon) so that the skewer holds together.

4. Repeat the process

   Repeat the previous step until all 12 skewers are complete. Arrange them neatly on your serving platter. If you notice one wobbling, you can cut a very thin flat base on the bottom ingredient.

5. Final Seasoning

   Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over the skewers. Drizzle a generous stream of extra virgin olive oil over the entire arrangement.

To finish and serve

To give it the master touch, add a few drops of balsamic vinegar reduction over the cheese and watermelon. If you don't have reduction, a good balsamic vinegar works, but use it sparingly so as not to stain the plate too much. Serve immediately so that the basil remains turgid and the watermelon fresh. You can accompany it with some crispy bread toasts.

If you like these types of sweet and sour combinations on a stick, you might be interested in trying other variations such as the pork and pineapple skewers, which also play with fruit and protein.

Nutritional Information

Here's an estimate of what each of these mini skewers. Remember that they are a appetizer light and quite balanced.

• Calories: 45 kcal
• Proteins: 3 g
• Fats: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

Note: Values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the size of the ingredients and the amount of dressing used.

5 keys to make it perfect

Although it seems simple, the details make the difference between a normal skewer and a memorable one.

1. Ingredient temperature: Serve the skewers slightly chilled, but take the mozzarella cheese out of the fridge about 10 minutes beforehand. If the cheese is ice-cold, it loses flavor; if it's at room temperature, it gains creaminess.
2. The watermelon cut: Try to make sure the watermelon cubes don't have seeds. Biting into a seed can ruin the smooth and crunchy experience of the salad on a skewer.
3. Drying the mozzarella: I insist on this: dry the cheese pearls well. If they release whey onto the plate, it will mix with the balsamic and oil, creating an unappetizing grayish liquid at the bottom of the platter.
4. Fresh basil at the moment: Do not assemble the skewers hours in advance if you are going to add the basil. This herb oxidizes and turns black quickly upon contact with air or tomato acid. If you need to prepare ahead, assemble everything except the basil and add it at the end.
5. Balsamic quality: Use a reduction (balsamic glaze) instead of liquid vinegar if you can. The reduction adheres to the ingredients and doesn't run off, maintaining aesthetics and concentrating flavor.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

These mini skewers are incredibly versatile. They are the perfect appetizer for a summer garden meal, as the watermelon provides extra hydration that is appreciated on hot days. However, thanks to the red (tomato/watermelon), white (cheese), and green (basil) colors, they are a classic on Christmas tables and New Year's Eve celebrations, evoking festive colors.

They also work wonderfully at standing cocktails or buffets, as being on skewers, your guests can eat them with one hand without the need for plates or cutlery, facilitating socialization while enjoying a gourmet bite.

Comparison table

Sometimes we get confused with so many cold skewer options. Here's how our recipe stands out from other popular ones.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. I'd love to know if you've been encouraged to add watermelon to this classic combination or if you've tried another type of fruit. Leave your comment and share your own tricks so we can all learn together!

Culinary glossary

• Toothpicks: Small wooden stick, generally used for cleaning teeth, but essential in cooking for holding small appetizers.
• Reduction: A culinary technique that consists of boiling a liquid (such as vinegar or broth) to evaporate water, concentrate its flavor, and thicken its texture.
• Mise en place: French term that refers to having all ingredients prepared, measured, and ready before starting to cook.
• Mozzarella pearls: Small balls of fresh mozzarella cheese, about the size of a marble, ideal for salads and skewers without needing to cut.
• Plating: The act of aesthetically arranging food on the plate or serving dish before serving it to diners.