EASY CAPRESE SKEWERS
I know, I know… Christmas just got over and the last thing you want to think about is planning your New Year’s party. But I gotchu 😉 I’ll be sharing my favorite healthy appetizers plus some sweet treats between now and New Year’s! These caprese skewers are first on the list. They’re low-calorie (less than 40 calories per skewer) and vegetarian, with protein and veggies to hold your guests over until the main event. They’re absolutely delicious with a reduced balsamic drizzle!
Did you know? A 2013 scientific review of 29 controlled studies showed that dairy does have modest weight-loss benefits, at least in short-term, calorie-restricted instances (source). In other words, if you tolerate dairy, there’s no reason to cut it out of your fat loss plan. Feel free to read my research-backed article on the health effects of dairy here.
Now… for these skewers! It all starts with the mozzarella! I picked up some baby mozzarella balls from my local Sprouts. Alternatively, you can buy string cheese (which is mozzarella) and cut it into half-inch thick slices.
You’ll also need some cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, quality balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano (optional). Simple! I “reduced” my balsamic by simmering it on the stovetop until the volume reduced by half. You can also just buy balsamic that’s already been reduced (also called balsamic “glaze”).
To make the skewers, simply alternate tomatoes, fresh basil, then mozzarella balls on each toothpick. Finish with a drizzle of reduced balsamic.
Here’s the printable recipe for these caprese skewers! I hope you’ll rate and comment below if you try it 😉
This post contains affiliate links. Recipe created in collaboration with Abby Pollock and TransformNation.
Easy Caprese Skewers
Ingredients
- 24 toothpicks
- 48 cherry tomatoes
- 24 mozzarella balls
- 48 small basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano optional garnish
Instructions
- Skewer each toothpick with one cherry tomato, one basil leaf, one mozzarella ball, another basil leaf, then another cherry tomato.
- Repeat until all the ingredients are used up, arranging on a plate or platter as you go.
- Reduce balsamic vinegar by simmering it over medium heat until the volume is reduced by half.
- Drizzle skewers with reduced balsamic and sprinkle with dried oregano if desired. Leftovers will keep in the fridge up to three days.
Notes
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PROTEIN APPLE CRISP (FOR ONE)
