Strawberry, mint, basil, balsamic vinegar…these are a few of my favorite things. And you’re going to love this combination, too – it’s perfect for parties, brunch, or even just snacking at home. These Strawberry Caprese Skewers are just bursting with flavor, and they’re super easy to put together.
Strawberry Caprese Skewers
A big, fat, juicy strawberry takes me right back to my childhood in Southern California, when we’d get fresh-picked strawberries from the side of the road. The strawberry stand was in the same field they came from, and the strawberries had only been off the vine for a couple of hours by the time we had them in our hands. What a blessing that was! So much gorgeous produce available on the side of the road. We just don’t have that in my part of Texas, and biting into a really ripe strawberry takes me right back.
Luckily, we have access to beautiful produce year-round (another blessing!). And you only need a few ingredients to make these easy, healthy, people-pleasing skewers.
When are strawberries in season?
Strawberry season runs most of the year, depending on your part of the country (and you may have noticed that many strawberries in your grocery store are imported from Mexico, which means we can really get them year-round). The Texas strawberry season, which I had to google, is February-April. Honestly, I found that kind of shocking and thought it would be late spring, but then again, what do I know about gardening? (The correct answer is nothing.) You should be able to find strawberries at your grocery store most of the year, and at Farmers Markers spring-fall, depending on where you live.
Is this like the Strawberry Caprese Salad at Panera?
This is close to the Strawberry Caprese salad at Panera. The Panera version includes romaine, tomatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper. You can add any of those ingredients to this simple skewer recipe if you’d like! But I like how the strawberries really stand out in the recipe and don’t have to compete with the tomatoes (which I also love).
Can I have Strawberry Caprese on the 21 Day Fix?
You know it! Container counts (and variations to get more caprese for your buck) are at the bottom of this post.
Can I have Strawberry Caprese on Weight Watchers?
Yep! Weight Watchers has gone a little crazy with their three different ways to calculate points (actually, I fully approve – one system doesn’t work for everyone and I like how their new points systems accomodate different types of eaters…however, it’s challenging as a food blogger to try to keep up!).
You’ll find the WW points for the blue, green, and purple plans at the bottom of this post.
Here’s what you need to make these simple (and delicious) Strawberry Caprese Skewers:
Strawberries
Basil
Mozzarella balls
Balsamic vinegar (side note: I had a really delicious mango balsamic and I was SO excited to use it for this recipe…but when we reduced it, the added sugar just turned it into crunchy, candy-like substance…so don’t go with any special balsamics if they have added sugar, just stick with the regular stuff…OR, don’t reduce it)
6″ wooden skewers (although we used larger ones here because I couldn’t find the smaller ones at Kroger and didn’t think to order them in advance)
Strawberry Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- 16 6" wooden skewers
Ingredients
- 16 strawberries small, washed and cut in half across the width, hull intact
- 32 basil fresh leaves, washed and patted dry
- 16 mozzarella balls
- 1 c Balsamic Vinegar
Optional
- olive oil to drizzle over skewers
Instructions
- Thread the top half of one strawberry onto a wooden skewer with the hull facing up. Next, fold one basil leaf in half, dark side facing out, and add itto the skewer. Add one mini-Mozzarella ball, followed by another folded basil leaf, and the bottom half of the strawberry.
- Repeat Step #1 with the remaining strawberries, basil, and Mozzarellauntil you have 16 completed skewers. Arrange on a serving platter and setaside.
- To prepare the glaze, add balsamic vinegar to a smal lsauté pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vinegar is reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume.
- Remove glaze from heat and let cool slightly. Drizzle over the skewers, along with some extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did! If you like strawberries and healthy eating, check out the other strawberry options I have for you below:
- Healthy Strawberry Recipes
- Strawberry & Feta Whole Wheat Pizza
- 21 Day Fix & WW Strawberry Banana Popsicles
- 21 Day Fix & WW Strawberry Banana Muffins
