Name: Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved Cucumber: 1 large, sliced into half-moons Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): 8 ounces, drained Fresh Basil Leaves: ¼ cup, torn Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze: 1 tablespoon Salt and Black Pepper: to taste

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If you’re on the hunt for something fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible, this Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all married with silky olive oil and a sweet pop of balsamic glaze, this salad is a celebration of the very best summer flavors. Whether as a side dish, a light lunch, or the star of your picnic table, every bite is bursting with color, texture, and Italian inspiration.

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes this salad so special is its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its flavor and texture, coming together to create a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly easy. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe to life:

Cherry tomatoes: These little gems provide a sweet, tangy burst and gorgeous color in every forkful.
Cucumber: Crisp and hydrating, cucumber adds that cool crunch that takes the salad to a new level of refreshment.
Fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine): Creamy and mild, they truly make every bite luscious—opt for the freshest you can find.
Fresh basil leaves: Nothing beats the perfume and flavor of torn basil; it ties all the Italian elements together.
Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and peppery, this coats everything in silkiness and rounds out the flavors.
Balsamic glaze: That glossy drizzle offers tang and sweetness, adding a finishing touch that pops both visually and in taste.
Salt and black pepper: A simple sprinkle enhances everything and marries all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Produce

Start by halving the cherry tomatoes and slicing the cucumber into bite-sized half-moons. This hands-on step is so satisfying, and it’s where all that beautiful color starts to show up. Fresh prep ensures the salad’s crunchy, juicy bite.

Step 2: Combine the Core Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently toss together the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, fresh mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves. It’s important to use a soft touch—the goal is to coat everything without smashing the delicate cheese or bruising the basil.

Step 3: Dress It Up

Drizzle the ingredients with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and plenty of black pepper. Give everything another gentle toss. The olive oil ensures every piece shines and the flavors meld—but don’t overmix!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Transfer the tossed salad to a serving platter, then give it a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving. That sweet, thick ribbon transforms the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe from simple to stunning in seconds!

How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For a final flourish, add a few more torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes beautifully complements the cool, creamy elements without overwhelming them.

Side Dishes

This Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with everything from grilled chicken or fish to crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. It’s also a star on an antipasto platter—try adding olives, roasted peppers, or marinated artichoke hearts to your spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a wide, shallow bowl for family style, or get fancy by spooning portions into individual glasses or mason jars for picnics and parties. For a showstopper, layer the ingredients in stripes or circles on a large platter—it turns the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe into an edible work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, but for best texture, aim to enjoy within 24 hours—after that, the cucumbers start to soften.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad, as cucumbers and fresh mozzarella change texture when frozen and thawed. They tend to lose their crispness and turn watery, which takes away from the fresh qualities that make the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe so special.

Reheating

This is a no-cook, cold salad, so there’s no need for reheating. In fact, it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve prepped it ahead, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take off the fridge chill.

FAQs

Can I use large mozzarella instead of ciliegine?

Absolutely! If that’s what you have on hand, just cut a ball or log of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes. The key is to keep the pieces uniform so they blend seamlessly in the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe.

What kind of cucumber works best?

Persian or English cucumbers are fantastic because they’re seedless and have a tender skin, which means you don’t need to peel them. If you’re using a standard cucumber, I recommend peeling and removing the seeds for the best texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap the mozzarella for cubes of a mild, creamy plant-based cheese, or even ripe avocado, to keep all the gorgeous flavors and textures that make the Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe irresistible.

Is it okay to make ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and cheese several hours ahead and keep them chilled (without the basil, which is best added just before serving). Wait to add the olive oil and balsamic glaze until right before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Can I add extras to this salad?

Go for it! A handful of arugula, grilled corn, or roasted pine nuts each add a different dimension. Even a spoonful of pesto or a few sundried tomatoes can customize your Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe to suit your mood or menu.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the blend of flavors and colors in this Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe—it’s easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, give this salad a try and watch it disappear!

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the crispness of cucumber for a perfect summer side dish. Fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are tossed with cucumber slices and dressed in a tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

Cherry Tomatoes:

2 cups, halved

Cucumber:

1 large, sliced into half-moons

Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine):

8 ounces, drained

Fresh Basil Leaves:

¼ cup, torn

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Balsamic Glaze:

1 tablespoon

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil, toss gently, season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Transfer to a platter, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate mozzarella balls in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before adding to the salad.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be chilled for up to 2 hours.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian