Christmas Lights Olive Tomato (Printable)

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

# 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)

05 - 80 grams mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

→ Other

06 - 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers
07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
02 - If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
03 - 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.
04 - Place a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese on each skewer for added flavor and color.
05 - Arrange the completed skewers on a serving platter and drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, if desired.
06 - Finish with a grind of freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free
  • Easy to assemble and visually vibrant
02 -
  • For a vegan option, omit the mozzarella or use plant-based cheese
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; use gluten-free skewers for a gluten-free version
03 -
  • Use colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes for extra visual appeal
  • Add a small piece of red or yellow bell pepper for additional color
Return