Christmas Lights Olive Tomato

Featured in: Everyday Family Favorites

This vibrant dish features skewers alternating cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, and optional mozzarella balls to create a playful display resembling Christmas lights. Fresh basil adds aromatic flavor and brightness, while a drizzle of olive oil and optional balsamic glaze enhances the overall taste. Ready in minutes with no cooking required, these skewers offer an easy and eye-catching option for holiday parties or casual gatherings, appealing to vegetarian and gluten-free diets when using appropriate ingredients.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:18:00 GMT
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, ready to serve! Pin this
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, ready to serve! | terracrumb.com

Festive and colorful skewers featuring cherry tomatoes and olives that resemble Christmas lights—perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

This recipe brings a festive touch to any gathering and has always been a hit during our holiday parties.

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

Wash ingredients:
Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Prepare mozzarella:
If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry.
Assemble skewers:
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.
Add basil:
Tuck a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese for added color and flavor.
Arrange:
Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter.
Dress:
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze, if using.
Season:
Finish with a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers boast bright red, green, and black jewels, easy finger food. Pin this
Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers boast bright red, green, and black jewels, easy finger food. | terracrumb.com

These skewers always bring my family together, sharing laughs and festive cheer while preparing and enjoying every bite.

Wine Pairing

Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine to complement the vibrant flavors.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy if using mozzarella. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each skewer contains approximately 45 calories, 3 g total fat, 2 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein (with mozzarella).

Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers feature juicy tomatoes and olives for a quick party appetizer. Pin this
Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers feature juicy tomatoes and olives for a quick party appetizer. | terracrumb.com

Perfect for holiday parties, these skewers add both flavor and festivity in just minutes.

Recipe Questions

What ingredients create the colorful effect on these skewers?

Alternating red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes with green and black olives create a festive, multicolored appearance.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, assembling them a few hours in advance and refrigerating keeps flavors fresh and textures firm before serving.

Is mozzarella necessary for this dish?

The cheese adds creaminess and contrast but can be omitted or substituted with plant-based alternatives for vegan options.

How does fresh basil contribute to the flavor?

Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note that complements the tomatoes and olives, enhancing overall freshness.

What can I serve alongside these skewers as a beverage pairing?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine pairs well with the fresh and savory flavors.

Christmas Lights Olive Tomato

Bright cherry tomatoes and olives threaded on skewers for a colorful, festive appetizer with fresh basil and mozzarella.

Prep time
15 mins
Time to cook
1 mins
Time Required
16 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type International

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Info Meat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables & Fruits

01 16 cherry tomatoes (mixed red, yellow, and orange)
02 16 green olives, pitted
03 16 black olives, pitted
04 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

Cheese (optional)

01 80 grams mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

Other

01 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 01

Prepare vegetables and herbs: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

Step 02

Dry mozzarella: If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

Step 03

Assemble skewers: Thread one olive (green or black), one cherry tomato, and one mozzarella ball onto each skewer or pretzel stick, alternating colors to mimic Christmas lights.

Step 04

Add basil leaf: Place a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese on each skewer for added flavor and color.

Step 05

Arrange and dress: Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, if desired.

Step 06

Season and serve: Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

  • Small skewers or pretzel sticks
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy if mozzarella is used.
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; use gluten-free skewers for a gluten-free option.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 45
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 2 g