Everything's better on a stick, right?! When I was planning my Tuscan Grill Party menu, I knew I wanted to have caprese salad included. There's just so many ways to present a traditional caprese salad but I was looking for something a bit different or unique. Since it is a grill party after all, I was glad to come across this recipe for Grilled Caprese Salad. This was a fun spin on the recipe were the components are skewered, grilled and then eaten off the stick. Or for those that prefer, taken off the skewer and eaten like a panzanella (Italian bread salad). If you're looking for an interesting way to combine salad and skewers, this would be it!...

I came across this recipe from Whole Foods. Not only are they one of my favorite places to shop for interesting and special ingredients, they happen to have a nice selection of recipes on their website. To make these skewers, it's pretty easy. Bread cubes, tomatoes (chopped, cherry or grape tomatoes work well) and cubes o f fresh mozzarella cheese are skewered and brushed with olive oil. After a few minutes on the grill to just lightly toast the bread and slightly warm the cheese, they're plated and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with fresh chopped basil. So easy and perfect for an outdoor party!



3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 (12-ounce) container fresh mozzarella, drained and cut into (1-inch) chunks
1/2 loaf ciabatta bread, cut into (1-inch) cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional)
1/2 cup basil leaves


Grease grates with oil then preheat grill to medium heat. Meanwhile, alternating ingredients, thread tomatoes, mozzarella and bread onto skewers, brush all over with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill skewers, turning once, until cheese is just melted and bread is toasted, 2 to 3 minutes total. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with vinegar , garnish with basil and serve.