Christmas Lights Olive Tomato

Featured in: Simple Rustic Treats

Create vibrant skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, fresh basil leaves, and optional mozzarella balls. These no-cook finger foods are assembled on small skewers or pretzel sticks, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze, offering a fresh, colorful addition to any holiday spread. Perfect for easy entertaining with minimal prep time.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:43:00 GMT
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, ready to serve. Save
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, ready to serve. | cocoaferns.com

Festive and colorful skewers featuring cherry tomatoes and olives that resemble Christmas lights—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

I love serving these skewers at Christmas because they bring a joyful pop of color and delight guests with their fresh flavors.

Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes: 16 mixed red, yellow, and orange for color
  • Green olives: 16 pitted
  • Black olives: 16 pitted
  • Fresh basil leaves: 1 small bunch
  • Mozzarella balls: 80 g bocconcini or ciliegine drained (optional)
  • Pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers: 16 small
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Balsamic glaze: 1 tsp optional
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Step 2:
If using mozzarella balls pat them dry.
Step 3:
On each skewer or pretzel stick thread one olive (green or black) one cherry tomato and one mozzarella ball alternating colors to mimic Christmas lights.
Step 4:
Tuck a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese for added color and flavor.
Step 5:
Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter.
Step 6:
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze if using.
Step 7:
Finish with a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.
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This dish always brings my family together around the table with smiles and holiday cheer.

Wine Pairing

Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine to complement the fresh flavors.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy if using mozzarella. Pretzel sticks may contain gluten use gluten-free skewers for gluten-free guests.

Nutritional Information

Per skewer with mozzarella Calories 45 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 2 g Protein 2 g

Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, showcasing bright tomatoes and olives on skewers, drizzled with olive oil. Save
Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, showcasing bright tomatoes and olives on skewers, drizzled with olive oil. | cocoaferns.com

These skewers are a simple yet stunning way to brighten up your holiday table.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these skewers vegan?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella or replace it with plant-based cheese alternatives to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

What type of olives work best?

Green and black pitted olives provide a nice color contrast and complement the cherry tomatoes well.

Is cooking required for these skewers?

No cooking is necessary. The ingredients are assembled fresh for a quick, no-heat appetizer.

Can I prepare skewers ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and cover the skewers, then refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I serve these skewers with?

These bite-sized skewers pair well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines for festive occasions.

Christmas Lights Olive Tomato

Bright skewers with cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, and mozzarella for festive gatherings.

Prep Time
15 minutes
0
Overall Time
15 minutes
Author: Maya Larkson

Recipe Category Simple Rustic Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type International

Makes 16 Servings Amount

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Vegetables & Fruits

01 16 cherry tomatoes (mixed red, yellow, and orange)
02 16 green olives, pitted
03 16 black olives, pitted
04 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

Cheese (optional)

01 2.8 oz mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

Other

01 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional)
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare produce: Wash and thoroughly dry cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

Step 02

Prepare cheese: If using mozzarella balls, pat dry with paper towels.

Step 03

Assemble skewers: Thread one olive (green or black), one cherry tomato, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer or pretzel stick, alternating colors to resemble Christmas lights.

Step 04

Add basil: Tuck a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and cheese on each skewer to enhance color and flavor.

Step 05

Arrange skewers: Place assembled skewers evenly on a serving platter.

Step 06

Finishing touches: Lightly drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over skewers if using, then finish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Small skewers or pretzel sticks
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Allergy Info

Always check every ingredient for allergens. If you're not sure, talk to a health expert.
  • May contain dairy if mozzarella is used.
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; substitute gluten-free skewers for gluten-free version.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info shown is for guidance only. It cannot replace medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 45
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 2 g