Christmas Lights Olive Tomato Skewers

Featured in: Seasonal Fresh Picks

These skewers bring festive brightness with colorful cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, fresh basil, and optional mozzarella balls threaded on pretzel sticks. The combination of fresh ingredients with olive oil and balsamic glaze adds a savory touch complemented by a hint of black pepper. Quick to assemble and visually appealing, they make an inviting finger food for holiday celebrations or casual gatherings. Variations include vegan options by omitting cheese and adding extra colorful veggies.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:44:00 GMT
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: bright red and green appetizer skewers ready for a holiday spread. Save
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: bright red and green appetizer skewers ready for a holiday spread. | freshyforks.com

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

Ingredients

  • 16 cherry tomatoes: mixed red, yellow, and orange for color
  • 16 green olives: pitted
  • 16 black olives: pitted
  • 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves:
  • 80 g mozzarella balls: bocconcini or ciliegine drained (optional)
  • 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

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.
Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: a close-up of colorful cherry tomatoes and olives skewered. Save
Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: a close-up of colorful cherry tomatoes and olives skewered. | freshyforks.com

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 Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 45 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 2 g Protein 2 g

Vibrant Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers arranged on a platter ready for a party, so delicious. Save
Vibrant Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers arranged on a platter ready for a party, so delicious. | freshyforks.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make these skewers vegan?

Yes, simply skip the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the skewers vegan-friendly.

What kind of olives work best for this dish?

Green and black pitted olives offer a balanced mix of flavors and colors that pair well with the bright cherry tomatoes.

How should I serve these skewers?

Arrange them on a serving platter, drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired, and finish with a grind of black pepper for enhanced flavor.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble them shortly before serving to maintain the freshness of the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

What drinks pair well with these skewers?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine complements the fresh and savory elements of the skewers beautifully.

Christmas Lights Olive Tomato Skewers

Vibrant cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, and mozzarella come together to create colorful skewers ideal for festive occasions.

Prep time
15 minutes
0
Time required
15 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine International

Portions 16 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, Low carb

What You'll Need

Vegetables & Fruits

01 16 cherry tomatoes, assorted colors (red, yellow, 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

Step 01

Prepare Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Step 02

Dry Cheese: If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 03

Assemble Skewers: Thread onto each skewer one olive (green or black), one cherry tomato, and one mozzarella ball, alternating colors to resemble Christmas lights.

Step 04

Add Basil: Insert a fresh basil leaf between the tomato and cheese on each skewer for enhanced color and flavor.

Step 05

Arrange: Place the completed skewers on a serving platter in an attractive arrangement.

Step 06

Finish and Serve: Drizzle lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains dairy if mozzarella is included.
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; substitute gluten-free skewers to avoid gluten.
  • Check ingredient labels carefully for hidden allergens.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 45
  • Lipids: 3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams