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Fresh Mini Caprese Skewers Lunch Box Recipe with Zesty Pesto

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These fresh mini Caprese skewers with zesty homemade pesto are quick, easy, and perfect for summer lunches or picnics. The bright pesto elevates the classic combination of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil for a light and satisfying snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (about 300g) cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and patted dry
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. In a food processor, combine toasted pine nuts, basil leaves, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse to combine.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto is smooth but still slightly textured. Scrape down sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
  5. Assemble the skewers by threading one cherry tomato, one fresh basil leaf (folded if large), and one mozzarella ball onto each wooden skewer or toothpick. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  6. Arrange skewers on a plate or pack into a lunch box. Spoon zesty pesto over the skewers or pack pesto separately for dipping. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. Pat mozzarella dry to prevent sogginess. Pesto can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning. Basil leaves can be folded if large for easier skewering. For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with marinated tofu or avocado and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, mini Caprese, pesto, summer recipe, easy appetizer, lunch box recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, healthy snack

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/fresh-mini-caprese-skewers-lunch-box-recipe-with-zesty-pesto-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/