I love small bites that feel fresh and bright. My Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Bites bring sweet fruit, cool cucumber, and soft mozzarella together for a snack that looks pretty and tastes great. I made this recipe for summer picnics and easy weeknight starters.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- 20 wooden skewers
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls
- 20 large fresh blackberries
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into 5 (1-inch) rounds, each quartered
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Garnish: fresh oregano leaves
The Tools That Help
I keep a few small tools ready for this kind of snack. A small bowl and a whisk make the vinaigrette fast. A shallow plate or tray holds the skewers while I build them. If I need to speed up prep, I use a small chef knife and a cutting board to slice cucumbers quickly. If you like other light snacks, I also use a recipe from time to time for protein bites to round out a board, like the blueberry cheesecake protein bites I link to sometimes.
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board
- Small chef knife
- Shallow tray or plate
- Paper towel for drying fruit
The Step-by-Step Process
- Wash the blackberries and dry them gently.
- Cut the cucumber into rounds and then quarter each round.
- Thread one mozzarella ball, one blackberry, and one cucumber piece onto each skewer.
- Cover the skewers and chill until you make the dressing.
- Whisk the sherry vinegar, chopped oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while you whisk until the dressing looks smooth.
- Take the skewers from the fridge just before serving.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skewers.
- Add a small oregano leaf on top for garnish if you like.
Bringing it all together:
- Place one mozzarella ball on a skewer.
- Add one blackberry to the skewer.
- Add one cucumber quarter to the skewer.
- Repeat until all skewers are made.
- Cover the tray and chill the skewers.
- Whisk vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing over chilled skewers before serving.
- Garnish with a fresh oregano leaf if desired.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
I like to keep snacks light. These bites already feel clean and fresh, but you can make small swaps to lower fat or sodium. Use a light olive oil or cut the oil by half and add a splash of water or plain yogurt to the dressing for a creamy touch. Swap kosher salt for a lower sodium mix or skip adding salt if you serve the bites with salty prosciutto on the side. For a twist, try a splash of lemon juice with the sherry vinegar. If you enjoy fruit-forward snacks, you might also like a different fruity protein bite I make sometimes, such as the blueberry cheesecake protein bites 2 for a sweet, healthy option.
Perfect Pairings
I serve these bites with simple drinks and mild cheeses. They pair well with iced tea, a crisp white wine, or a light rosé. For a larger spread, add crusty bread, a bowl of marinated olives, and a small platter of prosciutto. If you want a fuller salad option, try this Caprese twist in a pasta salad that uses a balsamic glaze for depth, like the one I also recommend for summer meals: Caprese pasta salad with balsamic glaze. The bright bites sit well next to salty meats and sweet jams on a board.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
I see the same small mistakes when people make these bites. First, do not skip drying the blackberries. Wet berries make the skewers slippery and the dressing watery. Second, do not overcut the cucumber pieces. If pieces are too small they fall off the skewer. Cut neat, even quarters so each skewer holds well. Third, do not pour the olive oil too fast into the vinegar. Pouring slowly while you whisk keeps the dressing smooth.
Storing Your Creation
Store the skewers in an airtight container in the fridge if you do not serve them right away. Place a piece of parchment or plastic wrap over the tray so the bites do not dry out. I do not leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours. The dressing keeps in a small jar for up to two days in the fridge if you make it ahead. When you are ready to serve, drizzle the dressing and add the oregano leaves.
A Final Warm Word
I make these for warm nights and simple get togethers. They are quick to build and they let fresh flavors shine. I hope you make a tray and bring it to your next table. It makes the day feel a bit brighter.
Answering Your Questions
How long can I keep Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Bites?
You can keep finished skewers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cover them so they do not dry. If you add the dressing early, the cucumber will soften over time. I like to add the dressing just before serving for the best texture.
Can I make the dressing ahead for Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Bites?
Yes, the vinaigrette stores well. Place it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to two days. Before you use it, give it a quick shake or whisk to bring it back together.
Can I change any ingredients in Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Bites?
Yes, you can swap the blackberries for strawberries or small grapes. You can use basil instead of oregano for a more classic Caprese taste. If you need a dairy free option, try small marinated tofu cubes in place of mozzarella.
Print
Blackberry-Cucumber Caprese Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and fresh bites combining blackberries, cucumbers, and mozzarella for a bright snack perfect for summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 20 wooden skewers
- 20 fresh mozzarella balls
- 20 large fresh blackberries
- 1 medium cucumber, cut into 5 (1-inch) rounds, each quartered
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Garnish: fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Wash the blackberries and dry them gently.
- Cut the cucumber into rounds and then quarter each round.
- Thread one mozzarella ball, one blackberry, and one cucumber piece onto each skewer.
- Cover the skewers and chill until you make the dressing.
- Whisk the sherry vinegar, chopped oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while you whisk until the dressing looks smooth.
- Take the skewers from the fridge just before serving.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the skewers.
- Add a small oregano leaf on top for garnish if you like.
Notes
For a lighter touch, consider using a light olive oil or reduce the oil and add a splash of water or plain yogurt. Pair these bites with simple drinks and mild cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: snack, appetizer, summer, picnic, fresh flavors