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- 8 oz. pasta (preferably fusilli or rotini) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 wooden skewers You can switch the pasta for any small type you like. Penne or bow tie pasta works well, too. Instead of cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes. If you can't find mozzarella balls, cut a larger ball into cubes. Fresh basil gives great taste, but dried basil can work in a pinch. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. To enhance your skewers, try adding sliced olives or artichokes. You might also add diced bell peppers for crunch. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give a spicy kick. For extra creaminess, include a bit of ricotta or feta cheese. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it reaches a boil, add 8 oz. of pasta. I prefer fusilli or rotini for this dish. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and let it cool. Cooling it helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Grab your 12 wooden skewers. Now, let’s put together the skewers. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Take a skewer and thread on a cherry tomato half first. Next, add a fresh mozzarella ball. Then, place a basil leaf on the skewer. Add a few pasta twists and repeat the process. Keep going until the skewer is filled, but leave some space on each end for easy handling. Once your skewers are ready, arrange them on a serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle with 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze. This adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the flavors. Enjoy these delicious Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers! To make the best Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers, start with the right pasta. I love using fusilli or rotini. Their twists hold the flavors well. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This keeps it firm and prevents it from getting mushy on the skewer. After cooking, cool the pasta completely. Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper for extra taste. When threading the skewers, alternate the colors and textures. Use cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in each skewer. This makes each bite a burst of flavor. How you present your skewers can make a big difference. Arrange them in a tall glass for a fun look. You can also lay them flat on a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top just before serving. This adds a shiny finish and a sweet taste. Garnish with extra basil leaves around the platter. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers are great for parties or picnics. They are easy to grab and eat. You can serve them with a side of extra balsamic glaze for dipping. If you want to add a twist, pair them with grilled chicken or shrimp. They also work well with a light salad on the side. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature for the best taste. {{image_2}} You can use many pasta shapes for these skewers. Fusilli and rotini are great choices. They hold onto the sauce well. You might also try penne or farfalle. Each shape adds a fun twist. Just make sure to cook them al dente for the best bite. These skewers are easy to make vegetarian or vegan. Simply swap the mozzarella for vegan cheese. There are many tasty options on the market. You can also add roasted vegetables. Grilled zucchini or bell peppers work well. They boost flavor and add color. You can change the ingredients based on the season. In summer, use ripe heirloom tomatoes. In fall, try adding roasted butternut squash. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add a nice touch too. Adjust the flavors to match what is fresh and available. This keeps the dish exciting all year round. To store leftover Caprese pasta salad skewers, wrap them well in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid stacking the skewers to keep them from getting squished. These skewers taste best cold, so reheating is not needed. If you prefer warm pasta, remove the pasta from the skewer. Heat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Once warm, you can reassemble the skewers for serving. Freezing these skewers is not recommended. The fresh ingredients, like tomatoes and basil, do not freeze well. They lose their taste and texture. If you want to prep ahead, make the pasta and store it separately. Assemble the skewers fresh for the best flavor. Yes, you can make these skewers ahead of time. Just follow the recipe steps and store them in the fridge. Keep the skewers covered with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. I suggest adding the balsamic glaze right before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. These skewers pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken or fish for protein. They also go great with a green salad or garlic bread. If you want a light meal, serve them with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea. To add protein, you have a few tasty options. You can use grilled chicken pieces or diced ham. Shrimp is also a great choice. Just make sure to cook the protein first. Then, thread it onto the skewers with the pasta, cheese, and veggies. This adds flavor and makes the dish more filling. You learned about making delicious Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers. I shared the key ingredients, substitutions, and fun add-ons. You saw simple steps for cooking, assembling, and drizzling with balsamic glaze. I gave tips for perfecting your skewers and ideas for serving. You can try various pasta types and adjust for seasons. Don't forget storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Enjoy making these tasty skewers and impress your guests!

Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers

Elevate your summer gatherings with these delicious Caprese Pasta Salad Skewers! This easy and colorful dish combines tender pasta, fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor. Perfect for parties or picnics, they're a hit with both kids and adults. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty and fun appetizer!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. pasta (preferably fusilli or rotini)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

12 wooden skewers

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.

    In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

      On each wooden skewer, thread a cherry tomato half, followed by a mozzarella ball, one basil leaf, and a few more pasta twists. Repeat until you fill the skewer, leaving room on the ends for handling.

        Continue this until all ingredients are used and the skewers are filled.

          Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle them with balsamic glaze just before serving.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4