Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
If you love refreshing, vibrant salads that come together in minutes but taste like summer on a plate, this Cucumber Caprese Salad is about to become your new obsession. Crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and zingy red onion are tossed in a herby balsamic dressing that soaks right in, letting every bite pop with Italian-inspired flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, searching for a side to brighten up dinner, or just need a quick lunch, this salad is proof that simplicity can absolutely dazzle!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cucumber Caprese Salad is that every ingredient is basic, easy to find, and truly essential to achieving that perfect combo of juicy, creamy, crunchy, and tangy. Each element brings a little something magical to the mix, so let’s break down why you won’t want to skip a thing!
- Olive Oil: This is the silky base of the dressing, adding richness that ties all the fresh flavors together.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Its deep, sweet-tart notes give the salad that signature zing and beautiful coloring.
- Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb that adds an earthy, almost peppery background to every bite.
- Dried Basil: Don’t skip this — basil lifts the salad to seriously herbaceous, summery heights.
- Salt: A pinch wakes up all the flavors and helps draw out the juiciness from your veggies.
- Pepper: Black pepper adds a little gentle heat and complexity to balance the creamy cheese.
- Cucumber: The star of the show, peeled and intricately patterned for crispiness and visual appeal.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness offers lovely bursts of flavor and a splash of color.
- Fresh Mozzarella: This mellow, creamy cheese is what makes every forkful feel indulgent and satisfying.
- Red Onion: For a sharp bite and some crunch; totally optional if you prefer a milder dish.
How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Herby Balsamic Dressing
Start by grabbing a small bowl and mixing together your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, plus a healthy dash of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything’s blended and aromatic. Set this aside, so the flavors mingle while you prep the veggies — it’s the secret marinade that really brings this Cucumber Caprese Salad to life!
Step 2: Prep the Cucumber
Peel your cucumber, then take a fork and run it up and down the skin a few times. This classic trick not only makes the slices look beautiful but also helps the dressing cling to every bite. Slice your cucumber thin, then dice for perfect-sized pieces that soak up all our flavorful marinade. Toss the cucumber into a medium-sized bowl to start your salad base.
Step 3: Quarter the Cherry Tomatoes
Wash your cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then quarter them for juicy, bite-sized bursts of color and sweetness. Add these vibrant quarters to the bowl with your diced cucumbers, watching that color palette come alive!
Step 4: Dice the Red Onion
Slice the red onion thinly, then dice it for just the right amount of sharpness and crunch. Not a fan of onion? Feel free to skip it, but for onion lovers, this bit of brightness is so worth it. Add the diced onion to your veggies waiting in the bowl.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Mozzarella
Slice your fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or simply use mozzarella pearls if you’ve found them at the store. Add these delicately creamy chunks to the bowl — they’re what take ordinary salad to full-on Caprese glory.
Step 6: Dress and Mix
Pour your reserved marinade all over the vegetables and cheese. Toss everything together with a gentle hand, making sure each piece is coated in that herby, tangy dressing. The goal here is flavor in every forkful!
Step 7: Let the Flavors Marry
Here’s the secret: let your finished Cucumber Caprese Salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This quick rest gives the veggies and cheese a chance to soak up all the dressing, resulting in maximum flavor payoff.
How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, an extra grind of black pepper, or even a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top can make your Cucumber Caprese Salad look restaurant-worthy. Try adding a few extra mozzarella pearls or a dash of chili flakes for a pop of color and a gentle kick!
Side Dishes
This salad is a star on its own, but it’s also the perfect partner for grilled chicken, crusty bread, or a simple pasta. Looking for a lighter meal? Pair Cucumber Caprese Salad with a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a summer fruit platter — it balances savory richness with bright, fresh notes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve individual portions in small glass jars for a chic, portable look. For family style, arrange the salad on a big platter and scatter extra herbs on top. Or, stuff the mixture into halved avocados for a summery twist on a classic presentation — the possibilities are endless with Cucumber Caprese Salad!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Cucumber Caprese Salad will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days in an airtight container in the fridge. The veggies will continue to soak up the dressing, so the flavors actually get deeper overnight. Just give it a quick toss before serving again.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad for the freezer, as cucumbers and tomatoes can become mushy and watery after thawing. The fresh mozzarella also loses its texture, so it’s best to enjoy every last bit of Cucumber Caprese Salad within a few days for peak deliciousness.
Reheating
No reheating needed! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve just pulled it from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring all those vibrant flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use another type of tomato?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes offer a lovely sweetness and firmness, grape tomatoes or even chopped heirloom tomatoes work beautifully for this Cucumber Caprese Salad. Just make sure they’re ripe and juicy.
Is it okay to omit the red onion?
Yes, feel free to leave out the onion if you’re not a fan. The salad will still be flavorful and vibrant — just a touch milder, allowing the creamy mozzarella and fresh veggies to shine through.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh?
Fresh mozzarella is best for a soft, creamy texture that soaks up the marinade, but in a pinch, you can substitute with a block of mozzarella that you cube yourself. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it won’t deliver the same results for your Cucumber Caprese Salad.
How do I keep the cucumbers extra crisp?
If crunch is your goal, you can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then blot dry before assembling the salad. This step draws out excess water and keeps your Cucumber Caprese Salad extra snappy!
Can I make the salad vegan?
Definitely! Swap the fresh mozzarella for diced avocado or a vegan mozzarella alternative to create a plant-based version. You’ll still get all the vibrant, herb-filled goodness that makes this salad so addictive.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Caprese Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on repeat — not just for its breezy simplicity, but for the way it elevates every summer meal. It’s crisp, zesty, and just a little bit indulgent. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table faster than you can say, “pass the salad!”
Print
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese, featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 TBSP Dried Oregano
- 1 TBSP Dried Basil
- Dash Salt
- Dash Pepper
Salad:
- 1 Cucumber Peeled, Skin Scraped w/Fork and Sliced Thin and Diced
- 1½ cups Cherry Tomatoes quartered
- 8oz Fresh Mozzarella
- ½ Large Red Onion Diced
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- Prepare Salad: Peel and dice the cucumber, quarter the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and slice the mozzarella. Add all to a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the marinade over the vegetables and cheese in the bowl. Mix well.
- Allow to Marinate: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you’re not a fan of onions, you can omit them from this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, Caprese Salad, Salad Recipe, Cucumber Salad
