Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella and tomato skewers marinated in Aperol-infused olive oil, finished with basil and a citrus zest, perfect for summer entertaining. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs Aperol, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 30ml Aperol
- 60ml extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 240g bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
- 300g heirloom tomatoes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3g sea salt
- 2g cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk 30ml Aperol, 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small bowl until emulsified, then season with 3g sea salt and 2g cracked black pepper.
- Step 2: Thread 2 bocconcini and 1 tomato half onto each skewer, arranging alternately, then brush generously with the Aperol mixture until fully coated.
- Step 3: Let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature, then garnish each skewer with 2 fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while the oil is still vibrant.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Caprese Skewers?
Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
