Strawberry appetizers are fun and delicious, and this Strawberry Caprese with Lemon and Basil is the essence of summer - on a toothpick! Unique, refreshing and so pretty, they're a festive way to start any gathering.
I can't help but buy strawberries almost daily during the summer.
They're so sweet that I usually just rinse them off and eat them by the dozen. Sometimes though, it's fun creating recipes with them, and this strawberry appetizer is one of my favorites.
Strawberry Caprese with Lemon and Basil is so pretty and it's even more delicious!
It can be presented as a bite-sized hors d'oeuvre or plated as a first course.
Ingredient Notes
- lemon juice - When possible, use fresh lemon juice.
- basil - Always choose perky, deep green fresh herbs.
- strawberries - Strawberries that are at the peak of their season will always be best. The sweeter the better! For this recipe, try to get strawberries that are as close in size to each other as you can.
- fresh mozzarella - Be sure to use fresh mozzarella and not hard, which would be difficult to easily eat in this appetizer. The fresh mozzarella comes packed in water and is moist and soft.
- extra virgin olive oil - Use one you love the flavor of.
The combination of lemon and strawberry with the aromatic basil and mild cheese is over-the-top tasty. It's tangy, sweet and makes for the perfect bite.
Strawberry Appetizers are Unexpected
I think we usually think of strawberries as being the star of desserts, or perhaps salads. They're unexpected sweet and savory appetizer.
Where to Get the Best Strawberries
Though we can get them from warm places, like Mexico during the cooler months, they're never as good as they will be at the height of their season, grown close to where you buy them.
So if you have a good Farmers Market near you, that's usually going to be the best place to find the sweetest berries that are locally sourced.
Choose Organic Strawberries When Possible
You should always try to buy organic strawberries. Strawberries are one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits. This is one time the extra cost is worth it.
Recipe Tip
During the summer months strawberries should be very flavorful and sweet. If you make this off season, or if for some reason your summer berries aren't sweet enough for you, add about ¼ teaspoon of sugar to the lemon juice.
More Must-Try Strawberry Appetizers
And More with Strawberries
- Strawberry Rosemary Cake
- Strawberry Frangipane Toast
- Strawberry Swirl Ice Cream
- Strawberry Blueberry Cookies
I hope you love my Strawberry Lemon Caprese!
Strawberry Caprese with Lemon and Basil
Ingredients
- about 2 dozen small to medium sized fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (see notes)
- zest from 1 medium-sized lemon
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and cut into 2 dozen cubes
- 1 dozen medium to large-sized fresh strawberries, washed and dried, stems removed
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the basil leaves, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil and salt.
- Add the cubed mozzarella and gently toss to be sure all of the cheese is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap, place in the refrigerator, and marinate for 15 minutes.
- While the cheese is marinating, cut the strawberries, horizontally, into ¼ to ½-inch slices. (There will be a handful of "scraps" that you should eat. Right now, while you're cooking. Delicious!)
- Remove the marinating cheese from the refrigerator and place 1 dozen of the largest strawberry slices on a serving plate. Place one piece of cheese on top of each strawberry base, being sure to pick up bits of basil and lemon zest with each one. Add a second slice of strawberry on top, followed by another piece of cheese (again, well coated with basil and zest). Now gently stick a toothpick through each stack.
- Crack black pepper over the entire plate and serve. (Be generous with the pepper, it adds a nice kick to the sweetness of the berries.)
NOTES
NUTRITION
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David @ Spiced
Summer on a toothpick? You've got my attention! This sounds like a really fun summer recipe, and we've had a ton of fresh strawberries around recently. In fact, I think we have all of the ingredients to make these caprese skewers. Now I just need to open a bottle of wine, and we'll be all set!
valentina
Thanks, David. Yes, the summer strawberries are amazing! Enjoy. 🙂 ~Valentina
Christina Conte
Just gorgeous, Valentina! These just scream summertime! Great table centerpiece especially when entertaining!
valentina
Thank you, Christina! Hope you love them. 🙂 ~Valentina
valentina
Thanks so much, Frank! 🙂 ~Valentina
2pots2cook
Absolutely intrigued ! Must must do !
valentina
I hope you love it, Davorka! Thank you. 🙂 ~Valentina
Frank Fariello
What fun! And very pretty, too. 🙂
Gerlinde
Wow, I just came across this recipe. What a great idea to pair strawberries and mozzarella. I think I get some strawberries and try it tomorrow.
valentina
Thank you so much, Gerlinde! I'm excited you're trying it. Hope you love it as much as me. 🙂 ~Valentina
Henry
Does it make it taste better if the cheese is marinated for say 1-2 hours?
valentina
Hi Henry, the flavors will likely be a bit stronger if you marinate for a longer period of time. It won't make a huge difference, but rather a subtle one. If you try it, please let me know how it goes. And enjoy! 🙂
Brian Jones
Strawberry and basil are such a great combination, these sound wonderful!
valentina
Thanks, Brian! Enjoy! 🙂
Emily
What an elegant salad, so perfect for Summer!
valentina
Thank you, Emily. Hope you try it!