Save 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.
Save 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
Save 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.