A Flavorful Appetizer for Every Occasion

Caprese skewers are a delicious and refreshing appetizer that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Here's a simple recipe to make Caprese skewers: 

Ingredients:

• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Skewers or toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Rinse the tomatoes and basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Drain the mozzarella cheese balls if they come in liquid.
3. Take a skewer or toothpick and start assembling the skewers. Begin by threading a tomato onto the skewer.
4. Follow with a basil leaf folded in half or torn into smaller pieces for better presentation.
5. Next, add a mozzarella ball.
6. Repeat the tomato, basil, and mozzarella layer until you've reached your desired number of skewers.
7. Arrange the Caprese skewers on a platter or serving dish.
8. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over the skewers for added flavour and decoration.
9. Serve the Caprese skewers immediately as an appetizer or finger food.
10. Note: You can get creative with the presentation by arranging the skewers in a circular pattern or alternating the colors of the tomatoes (using both red and yellow varieties, for example). You can also sprinkle some salt and pepper over the skewers for additional seasoning if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Caprese skewers!

Summer's Finest: BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

Get ready to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering delight inspired by the iconic California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). This at-home rendition of their famous BBQ Chicken Salad is filled with an array of delicious ingredients, tossed in a flavorful herby ranch dressing, and crowned with tender BBQ chicken. 

This fun and refreshing summer salad will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Discover the secrets to recreating CPK's beloved flavors in your own kitchen and indulge in this delectable culinary experience. Don't miss out on this irresistible summer delicacy! 

BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

PREP: 20MINUTES MINSCOOK: 15MINUTES MINS SERVINGS: 4 PEOPLE

Ingredients 

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups bbq sauce I use Primal Kitchen brand
• 8 [6-inch] wooden skewers pre-soaked

For the w30 Herby Ranch:

• 1 cup light tasting oil I use Safflower Seed Oil or Avocado Oil. You can also use "light" olive oil, which is not the same as extra virgin; sub store-bought mayo
• 1 egg
• ½ cup unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill fronds
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

For the Salad:

• 4 ears corn omit for Whole30.
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 8 cups thinly sliced romaine lettuce or 2 small heads
• 6 green onions thinly sliced (green part only)
• 2 cups quartered grape tomatoes or 16 ounces
• 1 [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed *omit for Whole30
• ¼ cup loosely packed freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil leaves
• 1 avocado peeled and seed removed and diced medium.

Instructions 

Marinate the chicken:

• Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½ inch thickness. Cube into 2-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with the oil, salt, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined. Set aside to let marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 4-8 hours to refrigerate and marinate longer, if desired.

Make the herby ranch:

• Pour oil into a wide mouth jar (just slightly larger than the mouth of an immersion blender). Crack the egg into the oil and let sink to the bottom of the jar. Insert the immersion blender into the jar and rest the blade on top of the yolk. Do not move the head until a white, creamy, thick mayo forms at the bottom by the head--about 10 seconds at least. Now, slowly raise the immersion blender up and down until the entire jar has emulsified into a mayo. (*alternatively, you can use a cup of store-bought mayo. I just recommend using one that is very light in flavor).
• Add the coconut milk, lemon, red wine vinegar, salt, onion powder, and garlic and using the immersion blender, blend once more to combine. Stir in the dill, parsley and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use. This keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge.

Grill the Chicken and make the Salad:

• Drizzle the corn with the avocado oil and rub to evenly coat.
• Heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400 degrees F) and oil the grill grates (to do to this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that's a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up a little goes a long way here.)
• When hot, add the corn and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes total and turning every 2 minutes. Meanwhile, also place the skewers on the grill and cook on the first side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until nice grill marks have formed. Flip the skewers and then baste the grilled side generously with the reserved BBQ sauce, continue to cook until chicken is cooked through, and nice grill marks have formed on both sides, 3-4 more minutes. The grill should be closed as much as possible as you are cooking the chicken. Transfer the corn and the chicken aside and let the corn cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the lettuce, green onions, tomatoes, black beans, cilantro and basil. Add your desired amount of dressing to the salad and toss until the lettuce is well coated.
• Remove the corn from the cobb and add to the salad along with the diced avocado, gently toss once more to combine.
• Serve with the grilled chicken and enjoy!