There’s something magical about turning a classic dish into a portable, party-ready snack. These Caprese Salad Skewers with Pesto and Bacon are the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, combining the timeless flavors of a Caprese salad with a crispy, savory twist.
The creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil are already a match made in culinary heaven, but the addition of smoky, crisp bacon and vibrant pesto takes these skewers to a whole new level.
I first whipped these up for a last-minute backyard gathering, and they vanished faster than I could assemble them. The smoky aroma of freshly cooked bacon mingling with the herbaceous notes of basil pesto made them irresistible even before the first bite.
Perfect for summer entertaining, holiday potlucks, or even a light dinner when paired with a bowl of Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup or Vegan Corn Chowder, these skewers are as versatile as they are flavorful.
They’re also a surprisingly guilt-free indulgence. With fresh, wholesome ingredients and a balanced mix of protein and healthy fats, they’re satisfying without being heavy—a win for anyone aiming to eat well without compromising on taste.
Make these once, and they’ll become your go-to for effortless entertaining.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- A surprising upgrade on tradition: Adding bacon and pesto transforms a simple salad into a dynamic appetizer.
- Visually stunning: The skewers are colorful and elegant—guaranteed to be the star of any table.
- Perfectly portable: No plates are required, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or casual snacking.
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap bacon for prosciutto, or try a vegan version with tempeh and dairy-free pesto.
- Packed with fresh flavor: Every bite bursts with creamy, smoky, and tangy goodness.

Caprese Salad Skewers with Pesto and Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Picks/Skewers
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Tray or Plate
Ingredients
- 16 Mozzarella Balls
- 16 Cocktail Picks/Skewers
- ¼ cup Pesto
- 16 Basil Leaves
- 4 Strips Bacon
- 16 Cherry Tomatoes
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Skewer a tomato onto a cocktail pick, followed by a piece of cooked, cut bacon, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball.
- Repeat this process until all 16 picks are loaded and arrange them neatly on a platter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pesto and olive oil until well combined.
- Drizzle the pesto dressing over the skewers on the platter.
- Finish with a garnish of black pepper and serve.
Notes
- Serve immediately to maintain the bacon’s crispness and the basil’s freshness.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 157kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Fibre | 0.5g |
Fat | 13g |
Protein | 7g |
Cholesterol | 25g |