If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and color, Cucumber Caprese Salad is your new go-to! It’s a crisp, juicy twist on the classic Italian favorite, with crunchy cucumber, creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Trust me—every bite is the definition of summer on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Quick: You can have this salad on the table in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days and spontaneous gatherings.
- Incredibly Fresh: The mix of crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil makes every forkful feel refreshing and light.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Cucumber Caprese Salad is beautiful, colorful, and universally loved—expect it to disappear fast at potlucks and parties.
- No Fuss, All Flavor: Minimal ingredients deliver maximum flavor, so you get effortless deliciousness every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Cucumber Caprese Salad is just how simple the ingredients are—yet each brings its own burst of flavor, color, and texture to the bowl. Here’s what you need, and why it matters:
- English cucumber: This variety is extra-crisp, has thin skin (no peeling needed!), and mild, refreshing flavor. Perfect for salads!
- Fresh mozzarella pearls: These tiny balls of mozzarella are creamy and soft, and soak up the vinaigrette like little flavor sponges.
- Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, grape tomatoes hold their shape well and pop with every bite.
- Fresh chopped basil: Basil is non-negotiable! Its peppery, floral aroma makes the whole salad sing.
- Balsamic vinaigrette: Tangy and lightly sweet, this simple vinaigrette ties everything together and adds a beautiful sheen.
Variations
Part of the magic of Cucumber Caprese Salad is how easy it is to make your own. You can mix and match ingredients to fit your taste buds, the season, or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
- Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and a little healthy fat, toss in some avocado cubes just before serving.
- Go Dairy-Free: Skip the mozzarella and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Switch up the Tomatoes: Use colorful heirloom cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Herb Twist: Mix in chopped mint or parsley along with basil for a new spin on the traditional taste.
How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber
Start by slicing the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then again lengthwise so you have four long quarters. Chop these into bite-sized pieces—think spoonable, but still chunky enough for that satisfying crunch!
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, toss in your cucumber pieces, fresh mozzarella pearls (don’t forget to drain them), and grape tomatoes. You’ll want everything evenly distributed so that every scoop has a little bit of everything.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Add the chopped basil and drizzle in the balsamic vinaigrette. Stir gently—just enough to coat everything without bruising the basil or squishing the mozzarella. The goal is to glaze each ingredient with vinaigrette while keeping the textures intact.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
Serve your Cucumber Caprese Salad right away for that ultra-fresh flavor, or pop it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes if you love your salads extra crisp and cool. Either way, it’s delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Crisp is Key: For an extra-snappy salad, refrigerate your cucumber before prepping—cold cucumber slices stay extra crunchy and refreshing!
- Basil at the Last Minute: Add fresh basil right before serving to preserve its fragrant aroma and bright green color.
- Even Vinaigrette Distribution: Drizzle the vinaigrette around the sides of the bowl rather than directly on top—then toss—so every ingredient gets a light, even coating.
- Mozzarella Pearls Tip: If you can’t find pearls, just dice a larger ball of fresh mozzarella into small, uniform pieces for the same creamy effect.
How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A final flourish makes this salad irresistible! Sprinkle with extra chopped basil or a chiffonade of basil leaves, a crack of black pepper, or even a dusting of flaky sea salt for the ultimate finishing touch. A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze never hurt either—totally optional, but always admired.
Side Dishes
Cucumber Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, grilled chicken, fish, or simple pasta dishes. It’s also wonderful with prosciutto, or as a colorful starter for any Italian-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, try threading the ingredients onto skewers for grab-and-go salad bites at parties. Or, serve individual portions in small glass cups, layered for maximum visual appeal. You can even pile it onto a platter for a rustic, family-style presentation that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Cucumber Caprese Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will continue to mingle, but the cucumber may lose a bit of its crunch by the second day (it’s still marvelous, just a little softer!).
Freezing
Cucumber Caprese Salad isn’t suitable for freezing, as the fresh ingredients will turn mushy when thawed. It’s one of those recipes best enjoyed fresh—or as delicious leftovers the next day.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If you’ve refrigerated it, just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and basil.
FAQs
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Can I make Cucumber Caprese Salad in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the salad (minus the basil and vinaigrette) up to a day ahead. Just before serving, add the fresh basil and dressing to keep things crisp and aromatic.
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What’s the best way to keep the cucumbers from getting soggy?
If you’re prepping ahead, pat the cucumber pieces dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bowl. Also, wait to dress the salad until you’re ready to serve for maximum crunch.
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Can I use regular mozzarella instead of pearls?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pearls, simply chop a larger ball or log of fresh mozzarella into small bite-sized chunks—they’ll work perfectly in this Cucumber Caprese Salad.
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What other dressings work with this salad?
While balsamic vinaigrette is classic, you could also try a lemony Italian dressing, a drizzle of good olive oil with sea salt, or even a touch of pesto thinned with more olive oil for a fresh twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something light, easy, and full of vibrant flavor, Cucumber Caprese Salad is calling your name. It’s truly a dish you’ll return to all season long—so grab those fresh ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this sunny salad soon. Enjoy every forkful!
Print
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese, combining the fresh flavors of cucumber, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light and healthy snack.
Ingredients
Cucumber:
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
Mozzarella Pearls:
- 8 ounces, drained
Grape Tomatoes:
- 2 cups
Fresh Basil:
- 1/3 cup, chopped
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cucumber, mozzarella pearls, and tomatoes in a bowl.
- Add basil and dressing: Toss in fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette; gently stir.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
