Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
If you’re ready for a refreshing twist on a beloved Italian classic, the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is here to transport you straight to a sun-drenched patio, even if you’re just in your own kitchen! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil all tied together with olive oil and sweet balsamic glaze, this is the salad you’ll crave anytime you want something vibrant, quick, and utterly satisfying. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a picnic side, or a light lunch, this dish proves that simplicity reigns supreme.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is in how a handful of fresh, quality ingredients come together to create pure summer splendor. Each element plays a starring role, from the juiciness of the tomatoes to the rich creaminess of mozzarella, the herbal punch of basil, and that signature drizzle of balsamic glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cherry tomatoes: Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor; halving them helps the juices mingle with the other ingredients.
- Cucumber: A large, crisp cucumber sliced into rounds or half-moons adds crunch and a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy cheese.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini): Soft, delicate, and subtly tangy, halved mozzarella balls make the salad indulgent and satisfying.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn basil brings an aromatic, peppery freshness that’s simply irresistible; don’t skimp on this herb!
- Extra virgin olive oil: Go for the highest quality you can; its grassy notes unite all the ingredients with silky richness.
- Balsamic glaze: Just a drizzle provides sweet acidity, balancing the creaminess of cheese and the crisp vegetables.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: A pinch of each wakes up all the flavors—season to your taste.
How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Veggies and Cheese
Start by grabbing a nice, roomy salad bowl. Add in your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and those adorable halved mozzarella balls. The vibrant colors alone will make you want to dive right in! Gently toss everything together so the fresh flavors start to mingle.
Step 2: Add the Basil
Next, take your fresh basil leaves—tearing them rather than chopping to preserve their essential oils and aroma—and scatter them over the salad. The basil is what transforms this from a simple veggie mix to a true Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe experience.
Step 3: Dress and Season
Now, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over your salad. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently yet thoroughly; you want every bite infused with seasoning and silky oil.
Step 4: Finish with Balsamic Glaze
Right before serving, give your salad its signature flourish—a slow, artful drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top. This adds a deep, tangy sweetness that brings everything together beautifully!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, either chilled or at room temperature. That means maximum garden-fresh crunch and flavor from this easy Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with a few extra torn basil leaves for a gorgeous pop of green, or add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a touch of elegance, a quick grind of fresh black pepper or even a few toasted pine nuts will make your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This salad is the perfect partner for almost anything! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pan-seared fish, or classic Italian focaccia. It does wonders as a light starter at your next barbecue or as a centerpiece for a summer picnic spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the salad in small jars or clear glasses for a picnic-friendly option, or skewer the ingredients for eye-catching Caprese salad kabobs. Pile it on crostini for a showstopping appetizer, or serve family-style on a platter for guests to serve themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe left (it disappears quick!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to one day; after that, the cucumbers and tomatoes start to lose some of their crunch.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing. The fresh vegetables and mozzarella do not hold their texture after thawing, which is key for that signature Caprese experience. Enjoy it fresh for the best results!
Reheating
No need to reheat—this is a salad that truly shines when served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a gentle toss before serving if it’s been in the fridge, and refresh with a little extra basil or a splash more olive oil if needed.
FAQs
Can I make the salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients a few hours ahead—just hold off on adding the olive oil and balsamic glaze until right before serving. This helps keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What cucumbers work best in this salad?
English or Persian cucumbers are fantastic because they’re nearly seedless and have thin skins, but any crunchy cucumber you enjoy will do the trick in this Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe.
Can I use large mozzarella instead of mozzarella balls?
Absolutely! Simply cut fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. The key is keeping the mozzarella fresh and creamy so it pairs well with the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
Not quite. Balsamic glaze is a balsamic vinegar reduction that’s been gently cooked until syrupy and sweet. If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, you can use it sparingly or make your own glaze by reducing it on the stovetop.
What’s the best way to slice the ingredients for presentation?
Halve your cherry tomatoes and mozzarella for bite-size perfection, and slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons for easy eating and a pretty visual contrast. Tear the basil by hand to release its oils and aroma.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe, it just might become your go-to for easy lunches, breezy dinners, or any occasion that calls for fresh flavor. Gather your ingredients, drizzle with love, and see how a few simple steps create something truly delicious—don’t forget to share with friends (if you can resist keeping it all to yourself)!
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Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Cucumber Caprese Salad is a perfect summer dish. Juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil are tossed in a simple vinaigrette for a vibrant and flavorful salad.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and halved mozzarella balls.
- Add Basil: Add torn basil leaves and gently toss to mix.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella balls with diced fresh mozzarella if needed.
- For a tangy twist, add a splash of red wine vinegar.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
