Print

Fresh Mini Caprese Bento Box Skewers Easy Recipe with Basil Pesto Dip

mini Caprese bento box skewers - featured image
Print Recipe

These fresh mini Caprese bento box skewers combine cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, served with a vibrant basil pesto dip. Perfect for quick snacks, picnics, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
  • Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • Fresh basil leaves, whole
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Basil Pesto Dip:
  • Fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups, loosely packed)
  • Pine nuts, toasted lightly (optional)
  • Garlic cloves, peeled (1-2 cloves)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (about ½ cup)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (about ½ cup)
  • Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Basil Pesto Dip (10-12 minutes): Toast pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Let cool.
  2. Add fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. With the processor running, slowly pour in extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth but still textured. Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then pulse again. Taste and adjust seasoning. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Skewers (10 minutes): Thread one cherry tomato, one mini mozzarella ball, and one fresh basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat the pattern if desired.
  5. Place skewers in a serving bowl or arrange on a platter. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Transfer basil pesto dip into a small bowl and place alongside the skewers for dipping.
  7. Let skewers sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Pat mozzarella balls dry if too wet to avoid soggy skewers. Add olive oil slowly when making pesto for desired texture. Toast pine nuts for enhanced flavor. Assemble skewers shortly before serving and drizzle olive oil and seasoning last to keep fresh. Skewers can be grilled briefly for a smoky flavor but watch to prevent cheese melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese, skewers, appetizer, basil pesto, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, easy recipe, picnic snack, vegetarian

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-mini-caprese-bento-box-skewers-easy-recipe-with-basil-pesto-dip/