Vibrant Tomato Salad Skewers Recipe

This Tomato Salad Skewers recipe brings together sweet heirloom tomatoes, creamy bocconcini cheese, and fresh herbs with a unique smoky BBQ twist. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this colorful appetizer combines smoked tomatoes, basil-tarragon oil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, entertaining, and outdoor dining.

The Inspiration

Inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, these Tomato Salad Skewers transform a beloved combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into a fun and barbecue-friendly dish. Traditional caprese flavors are elevated with a unique smoking technique that adds depth and a subtle wood-fired aroma to fresh heirloom tomatoes.

On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo showcase how simple ingredients can become extraordinary when prepared with creative grilling techniques. Instead of serving tomatoes in a traditional salad format, this recipe turns them into colorful skewers that are easy to share and perfect for gatherings.

The combination of juicy red and yellow heirloom tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, fragrant basil, and herb-infused olive oil creates a balance of freshness, richness, and smoky flavor. Finished with balsamic reduction and flaky sea salt, these skewers are a beautiful addition to any barbecue menu.

Ingredients

4 large hot house heirloom tomatoes cut into 1-inch cubes, red and yellow
16 large fresh basil leaves, whole
12 baby bocconcini balls, halved
¼ cup tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 tbsp tarragon leaves (packed), roughly chopped
2 tbsp basil leaves (packed), roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Flaky sea salt
3 cups of applewood chips, for smoking
Balsamic reduction, store-bought

Method

Cut the tomatoes to the desired size and keep refrigerated until ready to smoke.
Allow 2 cups of the wood chips to soak in cool water for 1 hour.
Set aside the 1 remaining cup of dry wood chips for later.
To make the smoke pouch, place the wet drained chips on a large piece of foil.
Mix in the dry chips until evenly distributed.
Seal the foil loosely. Using a fork, pierce pouches all over to allow the smoke to escape.
Prepare barbeque for indirect medium heat (around 300F) smoking.
Place the cut tomatoes on a baking sheet.
Place the wood chip pouch in the smoker and start the smoking process.
Once the unit is full of smoke, place the tray of tomatoes in the smoker for indirect heat.
Smoke the tomatoes for 10 minutes, remove and refrigerate.
While the tomatoes are chilling, make the basil-tarragon oil.
Add the chopped tarragon, chopped basil and olive oil in a blender and process until smooth.
Do not blend too long or the oil will get hot and possibly turn brown.
Strain the oil through a cheesecloth. Place halved bocconcini balls in a mixing bowl, coat in basil-tarragon oil and season with salt and pepper.
Season the tomatoes with flaky sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
Build your skewers by alternating the tomatoes (red and yellow), marinated bocconcini balls and folded basil leaves.
Drizzle with some balsamic reduction and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

These Tomato Salad Skewers are the perfect addition to summer barbecues, garden parties, picnics, and casual outdoor gatherings. Serve them as a refreshing appetizer before grilled meats, seafood, or other barbecue favorites.

They pair beautifully with crusty artisan bread, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and chilled beverages such as sparkling water, white wine, or lemonade. For entertaining, arrange the colorful skewers on a large platter with extra balsamic reduction and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Their vibrant colors and fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors make them an ideal choice for holidays, potlucks, and warm-weather celebrations.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Salad Skewers recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients, creative barbecue techniques, and vibrant summer flavors. By adding a subtle smoky element to classic caprese-inspired ingredients, this recipe transforms simple tomatoes, cheese, and herbs into an unforgettable appetizer.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!