Simple watermelon caprese skewers are an easy to make, crowd-pleasing summer appetizer! These watermelon appetizer bites are sweet and juicy. They highlight fresh, quality ingredients at their peak ripeness during the warm summer season.
Note: this recipe was originally published on June 29, 2021. It was republished with updated photos on June 29, 2024.
Colorful caprese skewers are traditionally made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This refreshing finger food appetizer has a fun summer twist; using watermelon in place of the tomatoes and adding chopped pistachios for a crunchy, salty topping. The pistachios are totally optional but I think they add a great textural element!
Melon caprese skewers are popular during the hot summer months when watermelon is in season. Watermelon is typically at its peak in July & August, making these the perfect watermelon starter to bring to a party. These fruit skewers pair well with other summer party foods such as watermelon bruschetta, peach and goat cheese crostini, cold green gazpacho, pasta salad with lentils or a frozen watermelon margarita!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh watermelon, basil and mozzarella pearls topped with chopped pistachios and a balsamic glaze...what’s not to love! The quality ingredients speak for themselves.
- It’s a great way to use basil (besides pesto) when you have excess in the summer months!
- Get the whole family involved in assembling these! It’s a great hands-on activity for the kids to participate in.
Special Equipment Notes
You will need toothpicks, mini skewers or cocktail toothpicks to make mozzarella watermelon skewers.
Ingredient Notes
- Watermelon - cut the watermelon into ½” to 1” cubes. Or buy pre-cut watermelon to save some prep time!
- Fresh mozzarella pearls - I recommend using the pearl size rather than the cherry size but you do what feels right to you! The pearl size is smaller than the cherry size. Or buy a ball of mozzarella and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Basil - you will need ½ cup or so of fresh basil leaves. It’s up to you how much you add to each skewer. I usually add 1 leaf per fruit skewer.
- Pistachos (optional) - roasted, salted chopped pistachios are completely optional but I think they add a fun, salty element to the watermelon appetizer.
- Balsamic glaze - you can buy this at the store (next to the balsamic vinegar) or make your own homemade glaze.
Substitutions and Variations
- Melon - swap in cantaloupe or honeydew melon in place of watermelon, or use a combination of all three!
- Feta cheese - you can use feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a saltier bite!
- Mint - feel free to use mint in place of basil. This will add a crisp, refreshing flavor. Mint also pairs well with feta if you want to try watermelon feta and mint skewers.
- Glaze - try using homemade raspberry-balsamic glaze for a sweeter variation!
- Salad - omit the toothpicks and simply toss all the ingredients together to make a delicious watermelon caprese salad! I recommend cutting the watermelon into larger 1” to 1 ½” pieces for this option.
- Vegan - use vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Nut-free - do not add the pistachio topping.
Step by Step Instructions
Slide 1 mozzarella ball, 1 basil leaf and 1 cube of watermelon onto a toothpick or skewer. Gently press one side of the fruit skewer into a plate of chopped pistachios if desired.
Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the skewers in a zig-zag motion. Serve and enjoy!
Hint: you can make these ahead of time and chill them until ready to serve! If making ahead of time, wait to garnish with the balsamic glaze until just before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Cut the watermelon into bite-size pieces so they are easy to eat! I try to aim for ½” to 1” size cubes.
- Alternatively you can use a melon baller to create sphere shaped watermelons which will pair nicely with the round mozzarella pearls.
- Buy pre-cut watermelon to save time prep time!
Storing and Serving
Serve watermelon caprese skewers on a platter, cutting board or plate. For an elegant, elevated look, you can serve them on a bed of greens such as arugula. This will add a nice pop of color to the dish. You can leave the watermelon skewers laying on their side, or upright so it's easy to grab the end of the toothpick.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing watermelon caprese bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cut the watermelon in half. Lay flat side down on the cutting board and then cut 1” thick slices. Lay each slice flat to cut off and discard the rind. Cut the watermelon slice into a square shape (save any extra pieces to eat later) and cut the square into smaller ½” to 1” cubes. Alternatively, you can use a melon baller to scoop out the melon.
Yes you can assemble this appetizer ahead of time. Leave out the pistachios and glaze until just before serving.
Yes you can make your own balsamic glaze/reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces, turning into a thick, syrupy glaze. This concentrates the balsamic flavors. For more information on how to make a balsamic glaze check out my recipe for raspberry balsamic glaze!
Leftover Watermelon? You'll Love These Recipes!
Watermelon Caprese Skewers
Equipment
- Toothpicks, mini skewers or cocktail toothpicks
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed (see instructions)
- ½ cup fresh basil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
- 2-3 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoon pistachios roughly chopped (OPTIONAL)
Instructions
To Cut the Watermelon:
- Cut the watermelon in half. Lay flat side down on the cutting board and then cut 1” thick slices. Lay each slice flat to cut off and discard the rind. Cut the watermelon slice into a square shape (save any extra pieces to eat later) and cut the square into smaller ½” to 1” cubes. (Alternatively, you can use a melon baller to scoop out the melon or simply buy pre-cut watermelon).
To Assemble the Fruit Skewers:
- Add 1 mozzarella pearl, 1 basil leaf (folded in half if necessary) and 1 cube of watermelon onto a toothpick.
- Optional: Dip one side of the watermelon caprese skewer into a plate of chopped pistachios if desired.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze on top of the skewers in a zig-zag motion. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- There are several variations of this easy appetizer. You can use different melon such as cantaloupe or honeydew, or try using fresh mint or feta cheese. To make this vegan try using vegan mozzarella cheese.
- Make your own homemade balsamic glaze if desired.
- Turn this into a salad by simple mixing together ingredients instead of putting them on cocktail picks.
- To elevate the presentation try serving watermelon caprese skewers on a bed of arugula!
Em says
Easy to make and bring to a party!