Christmas Lights Olive Tomato Skewers

Featured in: Snack Bang

These colorful skewers feature cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, fresh basil, and optional mozzarella balls threaded on pretzel sticks or wooden skewers. The ingredients are arranged to mimic festive lights, enhanced by olive oil and balsamic glaze drizzles. Fresh basil adds an herby aroma and burst of flavor, making these a vibrant, easy-to-prepare finger food ideal for gatherings. The combination balances freshness and slight acidity, served best fresh and can be tailored to suit vegan preferences by omitting cheese.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers arranged on a platter, showcasing vibrant cherry tomatoes and olives. Save
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers arranged on a platter, showcasing vibrant cherry tomatoes and olives. | ticktaste.com

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

A fun and vibrant dish that I enjoy serving at holiday gatherings because it brings everyone together with its festive look and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes: 16 mixed red, yellow, and orange for color
  • Green olives: 16 pitted
  • Black olives: 16 pitted
  • Fresh basil leaves: 1 small bunch
  • Mozzarella balls: 80 g bocconcini or ciliegine, drained (optional)
  • Pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers: 16 small
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Balsamic glaze: 1 tsp (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

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.
Appetizing Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, a colorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Save
Appetizing Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, a colorful appetizer perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. | ticktaste.com

My family always smiles when these skewers come out they brighten up any holiday table.

Required Tools

Small skewers or pretzel sticks cutting board sharp knife serving platter

Allergen Information

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

Nutritional Information

Per skewer with mozzarella Calories: 45 Total Fat: 3 g Carbohydrates: 2 g Protein: 2 g

Freshly made Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, a fun vegetarian appetizer for sharing with friends and family. Save
Freshly made Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers, a fun vegetarian appetizer for sharing with friends and family. | ticktaste.com

These skewers bring festive cheer to any gathering perfect for quick assembly and great taste.

Recipe Questions

What vegetables are used in the skewers?

Cherry tomatoes in red, yellow, and orange hues along with green and black pitted olives form the base of these skewers.

Can I prepare these skewers in advance?

It's best to assemble them shortly before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the basil from wilting.

Are there dairy ingredients involved?

Mozzarella balls are included optionally; they can be omitted for a dairy-free alternative.

How is the flavor enhanced?

A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and optional balsamic glaze adds richness and tangy depth to the skewers.

What are good serving suggestions?

These skewers pair well with crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines during festive occasions.

Can the skewers be made gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free skewers instead of pretzel sticks ensures they are suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Christmas Lights Olive Tomato Skewers

Festive skewers combining vibrant cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and fresh basil with a light drizzle.

Setup time
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min
Created By Jamie Torres

Classification Snack Bang

Complexity Easy

Cultural Background International

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

01 16 cherry tomatoes (mixed red, yellow, and orange)
02 16 green olives, pitted
03 16 black olives, pitted
04 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves

Cheese (optional)

01 2.8 ounces mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained

Other

01 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers
02 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare produce: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves.

Phase 02

Prepare cheese: If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry.

Phase 03

Assemble skewers: On each skewer or pretzel stick, thread one olive (green or black), one cherry tomato, and one mozzarella ball, alternating colors to resemble Christmas lights.

Phase 04

Add basil: Tuck a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and the cheese for added color and flavor.

Phase 05

Arrange and season: Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter, drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired, then finish with a grind of black pepper.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Small skewers or pretzel sticks
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving platter

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy if using mozzarella.
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; use gluten-free skewers to avoid gluten.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 45
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Proteins: 2 g