When the weather warms up, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or spend hours prepping in the kitchen. Enter these Sweet Cherry Caprese Skewers.

A playful, summery twist on the classic Italian salad, this bite-sized appetizer swaps out traditional tomatoes for juicy, plump sweet cherries.

This post is sponsored by Northwest Cherries.

The result? A perfect balance of rich, milky mozzarella, peppery fresh basil, and a burst of sweet fruit flavor, all brought together with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. It’s elegant enough for a backyard dinner party, yet simple enough to whip up for a quick weekend snack.

If your kitchen is still bursting with fresh summer fruit, The Produce Moms has plenty of inspiration to keep your menu exciting. You can indulge your sweet tooth with a cozy, single-serve Microwave Cherry Cobbler made right in a mug, or elevate your next dessert table with an elegant, custard-baked French Cherry Clafoutis. For a unique party appetizer, try serving a vibrant, savory Cherry Bruschetta over fresh mozzarella and toasted baguettes, or keep a jar of tangy Simple Homemade Pickled Cherries in the fridge to toss into salads all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Cooking Required: Assemble these in minutes without heating up your kitchen.
• The Perfect Flavor Balance: The natural sweetness of the cherries cuts through the creamy cheese and rich balsamic perfectly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Arranged on a serving platter, these colorful skewers look incredibly gourmet and vibrant.

Ingredients Needed For Cherry Caprese Skewers

• 24 Dark Sweet Cherries: Pitted. Look for firm, dark sweet cherries for the best flavor and texture.
• 24 Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: Small, bite-sized fresh mozzarella balls.
• 24 Small Fresh Basil Leaves: Freshly picked (larger leaves can be gently folded in half).
• Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling right before serving.
• Toothpicks or Small Wooden Cocktail Skewers

How to Make Cherry Caprese Skewers

Assemble the Skewers: Thread one pitted sweet cherry, one small fresh basil leaf, and one mozzarella pearl onto each toothpick or cocktail skewer.

Arrange and Chill: Place the assembled skewers neatly onto your favorite serving platter or slate board. If you aren’t serving them immediately, cover lightly and store them in the refrigerator.

Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, generously drizzle the rich balsamic glaze across the skewers. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make a Salad Instead: If you are short on time and don’t want to thread individual skewers, simply toss the pitted cherries, mozzarella pearls, and torn basil leaves together in a bowl, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze for an effortless cherry caprese salad.
• Add a Savory Crunch: Wrap a small piece of salty prosciutto around the mozzarella pearl before threading it onto the skewer for an amazing sweet-and-savory combo.
• Glaze vs. Vinegar: Be sure to use balsamic glaze (which is reduced and syrupy) rather than straight balsamic vinegar. The glaze clings beautifully to the smooth cheese and fruit without making the appetizer soggy.

Why We Love & Trust Northwest Cherries

Founded in 1947, the Northwest Cherry Growers is a growers’ organization used to increase awareness and consumption. The organization is dedicated to the promotion, education, market development and research of cherries from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana orchards.

Their passion and commitment to their cherry growers allows them to collectively spread awareness of seasonality, health benefits, and the importance of consumption. They truly believe that cherries are more than a treat. They boast an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals making them a true superfruit. To learn more, visit nwcherries.com.

More Great Cherry Recipes

• Cherry Limeade
• Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Filling
• Cherry Bomb Cocktail or Mocktail
• Whipped Cherry Goat Cheese
• Cherry & Lime Slushie
• Ice Vanilla Cherry Matcha Latte
• Cherry Yogurt Bark