What ingredients create the festive colors?

Mixed red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes combined with green and black olives provide vibrant, holiday-inspired colors.

Can I make these skewers vegan?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella balls or substitute with plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly variation.

Use small wooden cocktail skewers or pretzel sticks to easily assemble and hold the ingredients together.

Drizzling extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze adds rich, complementary notes to the fresh ingredients.

Use gluten-free skewers instead of pretzel sticks to maintain a gluten-free option.

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine complements the fresh and tangy flavors nicely.

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

I first served this at a family holiday party and everyone loved the playful presentation and fresh flavors.

Vegetables & Fruits: 16 cherry tomatoes (mixed red, yellow, and orange for color) 16 green olives, pitted 16 black olives, pitted 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves
Cheese (optional): 80 g mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
Other: 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp balsamic glaze (optional) Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step 1:: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.
Step 2:: If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry.
Step 3:: 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.
Step 4:: Tuck a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese for added color and flavor.
Step 5:: Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter.
Step 6:: Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze, if using.
Step 7:: Finish with a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.

This recipe always brings smiles when my family gathers for holiday celebrations, sparking conversations about the colors and flavors.

Small skewers or pretzel sticks Cutting board Sharp knife Serving platter

Contains dairy if using mozzarella. Pretzel sticks may contain gluten use gluten-free skewers for a gluten-free version.

Calories 45 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 2 g Protein 2 g per skewer with mozzarella.

These skewers are a quick and colorful appetizer sure to brighten any party.

→ What ingredients create the festive colors?: Mixed red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes combined with green and black olives provide vibrant, holiday-inspired colors.
→ Can I make these skewers vegan?: Yes, simply omit the mozzarella balls or substitute with plant-based cheese for a vegan-friendly variation.
→ What skewer options work best?: Use small wooden cocktail skewers or pretzel sticks to easily assemble and hold the ingredients together.
→ How can I enhance the flavor?: Drizzling extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze adds rich, complementary notes to the fresh ingredients.
→ Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?: Use gluten-free skewers instead of pretzel sticks to maintain a gluten-free option.
→ What beverage pairs well with these skewers?: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine complements the fresh and tangy flavors nicely.