Mediterranean Pesto Salad Kebabs
Transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed vineyard with these delightful Mediterranean Pesto Salad Kebabs. Inspired by a charming wine farm restaurant near Robertson in the Western Cape Province, this appetizer combines the freshness of garden ingredients with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. The skewers feature succulent mozzarella balls, sweet grape tomatoes, and tender pearl onions, all draped in fragrant homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto. Elevate the experience with the addition of prosciutto or ham, balanced by the peppery freshness of arugula and a tangy vinaigrette. Paired with a glass of chilled dry white wine and freshly baked bread, this dish is perfect for light lunches, summer picnics, or as a stunning starter at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
145
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
White pearl onions
8 (Small, peeled and blanched)
High-quality ham or prosciutto
4-8 slices (Folded)
Bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls
12 (Drained and dried)
Grape tomatoes
12 (Whole, rinsed and dried)
Pesto sauce
2-3 tablespoons (Store-bought or homemade)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For thinning pesto if necessary)
Arugula
1 cup (Tightly packed)
Vinaigrette dressing
2 tablespoons (For drizzling over arugula)
Concentrated balsamic vinegar
to taste (Optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Gather 4 to 6 thin kebab sticks for assembling the kebabs.
2
Peel the pearl onions and rinse them under cold running water. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the onions, and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water again. Once cooled slightly, set aside.
3
Prepare the mozzarella: If using larger mozzarella, cut it into bite-size squares. If using small balls, drain them and pat dry with a paper towel.
4
Rinse the grape tomatoes and leave them whole. Set aside.
5
In a small bowl, combine the blanched onions, prepared mozzarella, and grape tomatoes. If your pesto is thick, mix in the olive oil to loosen it. Gently fold in the pesto until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Prepare the serving plates by arranging a generous handful of arugula leaves on each. Drizzle the arugula with vinaigrette dressing to enhance flavor.
7
Assemble the kebabs by skewering the ingredients onto each stick in the following order: a grape tomato, a piece of mozzarella, a folded slice of ham (or prosciutto), and a pearl onion. For a refined presentation, use fewer ingredients on each skewer. For a heartier serving at a barbecue, use longer skewers with more ingredients.
8
Arrange the assembled skewers on top of the arugula leaves on the plates. Optionally, drizzle concentrated balsamic vinegar around the plate for a gourmet touch.
9
Serve immediately, accompanied by extra vinaigrette for drizzling, along with a side of chilled white wine and warm, freshly baked bread.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Pesto Salad Kebabs?
They are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, and pearl onions coated in pesto and served on skewers over a bed of arugula.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe was inspired by a charming wine farm restaurant located near Robertson in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 ingredients, including the skewers and optional garnishes.
How do I prepare the pearl onions?
Peel the onions and rinse them, then boil in water for 5 minutes before draining and rinsing under cold water again.
What type of mozzarella is best for these kebabs?
Bite-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini) are ideal, but you can also cut larger mozzarella into bite-size squares.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use high-quality store-bought pesto or homemade pesto depending on your preference.
How do I fix pesto that is too thick?
If your pesto is too thick to coat the ingredients, mix in one tablespoon of olive oil to loosen the consistency.
What is the recommended assembly order for the skewers?
The suggested order is a grape tomato, followed by a piece of mozzarella, a folded slice of ham or prosciutto, and finally a pearl onion.
Can these kebabs be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham or prosciutto to make this a vegetarian-friendly appetizer.
How is the arugula prepared?
Arrange a generous handful of arugula on serving plates and drizzle with vinaigrette dressing before placing the skewers on top.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 145 calories, 10g of fat, 6.25g of carbohydrates, and 7.5g of protein.
What type of wine pairs well with this dish?
A chilled dry white wine is the perfect pairing for these Mediterranean flavors.
Can I add a gourmet touch to the presentation?
Yes, you can drizzle concentrated balsamic vinegar around the plate for a professional, gourmet look.
What should I serve alongside these kebabs?
They are best served with extra vinaigrette for drizzling and warm, freshly baked bread.
Are grape tomatoes used whole or sliced?
The grape tomatoes should be rinsed, dried, and left whole for skewering.
How many kebabs does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to assemble between 4 to 6 thin kebab sticks.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, these kebabs are described as perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a stunning party starter.
Should the mozzarella be dried before use?
Yes, it is important to drain the mozzarella balls and pat them dry with a paper towel so the pesto adheres better.
What kind of ham is recommended?
High-quality ham or prosciutto is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I use larger skewers for a BBQ?
Yes, for a heartier serving at a barbecue, you can use longer skewers and add more ingredients to each stick.
How long should the onions be boiled?
The pearl onions should be boiled for exactly 5 minutes to ensure they are tender but still hold their shape.
Is there a specific dressing for the arugula?
A standard vinaigrette dressing is used to enhance the peppery flavor of the arugula.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 6.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The fiber content for this specific recipe is not listed in the nutritional data provided.
How much pesto is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 tablespoons of pesto sauce.
Can I use different types of onions?
The recipe specifically calls for white pearl onions for their size and mild flavor.
What is the total protein per serving?
There is 7.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option due to the fresh vegetables, greens, and lean protein sources.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and freshness, it is recommended to serve the kebabs immediately after assembly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.