Save This hearty Grilled Peach Caprese Skewers with Basil Vinaigrette transforms the classic Italian salad into a summertime masterpiece. The juicy grilled peaches, creamy mozzarella, and bright tomatoes create a perfect harmony of flavors that will impress at any gathering.
I first created these skewers for a backyard gathering when my garden was overflowing with tomatoes and basil. The addition of grilled peaches was a spontaneous decision that became an instant favorite among friends who now request them at every summer party.
Ingredients
- Fresh peaches look for fruit that yields slightly to pressure but isn't mushy. The slight caramelization from grilling transforms their natural sweetness
- Cherry tomatoes opt for a mix of colors if available for visual appeal. Their juicy acidity balances the sweet peaches perfectly
- Fresh mozzarella balls the small ciliegine size works best for skewers. Their mild creaminess cools the warm grilled elements
- Fresh basil both in the skewers and vinaigrette. Use bright green leaves with no brown spots for best flavor
- White balsamic vinegar milder and slightly sweeter than regular balsamic. Its lighter color preserves the vibrant green of the basil dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil use your best quality as the flavor really comes through in the vinaigrette
- Honey just a touch balances the acidity of the vinaigrette without making it too sweet
Instructions
- Prepare Your Grill
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. This temperature gives you beautiful grill marks without charring the delicate peaches. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. I learned this lesson the hard way during my first attempt.
- Prepare The Peaches
- Brush each peach wedge lightly with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those gorgeous grill marks. Be gentle with ripe peaches as they can be fragile. The oil also helps to conduct heat evenly across the fruit surface for consistent cooking.
- Assemble The Skewers
- Thread ingredients in an alternating pattern of cherry tomato, mozzarella ball, peach wedge, and basil leaf. This arrangement isn't just visually appealing but ensures each bite has a perfect balance of flavors. Leave a small space at the bottom of each skewer to serve as a handle.
- Grill To Perfection
- Place skewers carefully on the preheated grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want to see clear grill marks and slight softening of the peaches, but be careful not to overcook. The cheese should warm slightly but not fully melt and collapse. I like to position them at a slight angle to create diagonal grill marks.
- Create The Vinaigrette
- While the skewers cook, combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves in a blender. Pulse until completely smooth and bright green. The vinaigrette should have a pourable consistency that will cling lightly to the skewers. If too thick, add a teaspoon of water.
- Plate And Dress
- Arrange the grilled skewers on a serving platter, slightly overlapping for the most attractive presentation. Drizzle generously with the freshly made basil vinaigrette, making sure each skewer gets dressed. The warm skewers will absorb some of the vinaigrette, enhancing the flavors.
- Final Touches
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. These final seasonings wake up all the flavors. Add a few extra basil leaves around the platter for a beautiful garnish that signals the fresh flavors to come.
Save One summer standout ingredient in this recipe is definitely the peaches. I discovered that slightly firm peaches actually work better than super ripe ones, as they hold their shape during grilling while still developing amazing caramelized sweetness. My family now looks forward to peach season specifically for these skewers, and my daughter has learned to help thread them as her contribution to our summer gatherings.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of these skewers is their flexibility for entertaining. You can prepare the basil vinaigrette up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before serving. The skewers themselves can be assembled a few hours before cooking, though I recommend brushing the peaches with oil just before grilling for best results.
Perfect Pairings
These Grilled Peach Caprese Skewers shine as an appetizer but can easily become a light meal when served alongside a crusty baguette and a simple green salad. For wine pairings, opt for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé, or even a light Pinot Grigio that won't overpower the delicate flavors. If serving as part of a larger spread, they complement grilled chicken or fish beautifully.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer offers the perfect ingredients for this recipe, but you can adapt it year-round. In spring, substitute strawberries for peaches and use a balsamic reduction. Fall version works with firm pears, briefly grilled and paired with smoked mozzarella.
Success Stories
"These skewers were the hit of my garden party! Everyone wanted the recipe, and I've made them three times since. The basil vinaigrette is now my go-to dressing for all summer salads." – Maria
"I was nervous about grilling fruit, but these turned out perfectly on my first try. My kids even ate them despite usually avoiding tomatoes. The sweetness of the peaches was the perfect gateway!" – Thomas
"Served these at my sister's bridal shower and they disappeared in minutes. The presentation is so beautiful yet they're surprisingly simple to make." – Alicia
Save These skewers are the perfect blend of sweet grilled fruit and fresh Caprese flavors, making them an ideal appetizer or light meal. The bright vinaigrette ties all the elements together for a truly memorable taste experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can nectarines be used instead of peaches?
Yes, nectarines can be substituted for peaches to add a similar sweet and juicy flavor to the skewers.
- → What type of mozzarella works best?
Fresh mozzarella balls, such as ciliegine, offer the best texture and flavor for these skewers.
- → How do you prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- → Is there a recommended wine pairing?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé pairs beautifully with the fresh, bright flavors of this dish.
- → Can you make the basil vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the basil vinaigrette up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for convenient use.
- → Are these skewers suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all listed ingredients are gluten-free. Always double-check cheese and vinegar labels for additives.