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Fresh Bento Box Caprese Skewers Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for fresh Caprese skewers with a zesty homemade pesto sauce, perfect for bento boxes, snacks, or light appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pint (250g) cherry tomatoes, ripe and firm
  • 20 small to medium fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 1 cup (150g) mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted (optional)
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil for pesto, roughly chopped
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • About 20 wooden skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts (optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Make the zesty pesto sauce: In a food processor, combine 1 cup fresh basil, minced garlic, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Pulse a few times to blend.
  3. Slowly add olive oil: With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth but slightly chunky consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and add more lemon juice if desired. This should take about 5 minutes total.
  4. Prepare the Caprese skewers: On each skewer, thread a cherry tomato, followed by a fresh basil leaf (folded if large), and then a mini mozzarella ball. Repeat until all skewers are assembled—about 20 skewers total.
  5. Drizzle or serve with pesto: Lightly brush the pesto onto each skewer or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
  6. Final touch: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or flaky sea salt on top for finishing.

Notes

Do not stack skewers tightly when storing; keep in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to avoid bruising. Pesto can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to prevent oxidation. Skewers are best eaten within 24 hours. For vegan options, substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives and nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese skewers, bento box, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, easy appetizer, healthy snack

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/fresh-bento-box-caprese-skewers-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pesto-sauce/