Christmas Lights Tomato Olives

Featured in: Western Fresh Plates

These vibrant skewers combine cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, and fresh basil for a colorful presentation that mimics festive lights. Optional mozzarella balls add creamy texture while extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze enhance flavor. Perfect for easy, no-cook appetizers at holiday gatherings, they bring bright colors and fresh tastes to your table with minimal prep time.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:28:00 GMT
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer skewers with olives and tomatoes ready to serve. Save
Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: vibrant, colorful appetizer skewers with olives and tomatoes ready to serve. | epicurestates.com

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

This recipe brings a cheerful touch to any celebration and is easy to prepare.

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 (optional): 80 g bocconcini or ciliegine, drained
  • Pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers: 16 small
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Balsamic glaze (optional): 1 tsp
  • 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.
Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: juicy red tomatoes and green olives threaded on skewers for a festive treat. Save
Delicious Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: juicy red tomatoes and green olives threaded on skewers for a festive treat. | epicurestates.com

This recipe always brightens up our family gatherings and is a big hit with kids and adults alike.

Notes

Add a small piece of red or yellow bell pepper for additional color

Wine Pairing

Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wine

Allergen Information

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

Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: close-up showing fresh ingredients and beautifully arranged appetizer skewers. Save
Festive Christmas Lights Olive and Tomato Skewers: close-up showing fresh ingredients and beautifully arranged appetizer skewers. | epicurestates.com

These skewers make a simple yet festive appetizer that you can prepare ahead of time and enjoy on the holiday table.

Christmas Lights Tomato Olives

Vibrant cherry tomato and olive skewers accented with fresh basil and optional mozzarella for festive flair.

Prep duration
15 min
0
Complete duration
15 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 16 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Vegetables & Fruits

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

Cheese (optional)

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

Other

01 16 small pretzel sticks or wooden cocktail skewers
02 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
03 1 tsp 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

Dry Mozzarella: If using mozzarella balls, pat them dry.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Arrange Skewers: Place the finished skewers on a serving platter.

Phase 06

Finish and Serve: Drizzle lightly with olive oil and balsamic glaze if desired. Finish with a grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy if mozzarella is used.
  • Pretzel sticks may contain gluten; use gluten-free skewers for gluten-free preparation.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 45
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g