Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light, refreshing dish that brings together the classic flavors of a traditional Caprese salad with the cool crunch of cucumber. This salad is a perfect balance of tangy balsamic vinegar, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, making it an ideal side dish for any meal or a stand-alone appetizer. It’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant, fresh flavors, ideal for hot summer days or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is incredibly easy to make yet bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh cucumber, ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and zesty balsamic vinegar makes for a light and flavorful salad. The addition of red onion brings a bit of sharpness, while the dried oregano and basil give the salad a nice herbal finish. It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, refreshing, and flavorful meal in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Pinch salt
• Pinch pepper
• 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Set the marinade aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Peel the cucumber and create a textured surface by scraping the skin up and down with a fork. Slice the cucumber thinly and then dice it into small pieces. Place the diced cucumber into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Onion

Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumber. Thinly slice and dice the red onion and add it to the bowl as well. If you prefer not to use onion, you can omit it for a simpler flavor profile.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella

Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or if you have pearl-sized mozzarella balls, you can use those. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Combine and Marinate

Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella in the bowl. Toss everything to coat evenly in the marinade. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4. The preparation time is around 15 minutes, and after letting the salad marinate for about 10 minutes, it’s ready to serve. It’s quick to make and perfect for a fresh side dish.

Variations

• Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, you can add diced avocado to the salad, giving it a richer flavor.
• Add Protein: For a more filling dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top to turn this salad into a main course.
• Add Olives: For an extra Mediterranean touch, add a handful of black or green olives to the mix.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few chopped chili peppers for a spicy kick.
• Herb Substitution: If you prefer fresh herbs, you can use fresh oregano and basil in place of dried.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The flavors will continue to develop, but be sure to consume it within 24 hours for the best taste and texture. If storing for later, it’s best to leave the mozzarella and fresh basil out until just before serving to maintain their freshness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While this salad is best fresh, you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers and tomatoes may release more liquid as they sit, which will dilute the dressing slightly.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute the fresh mozzarella with other cheeses such as burrata, goat cheese, or even feta for a different flavor profile.

3. What if I don’t like balsamic vinegar?

If balsamic vinegar isn’t to your liking, you can use red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar instead for a milder tang.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant to customize the salad to your taste.

5. How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, consider adding grains like quinoa or farro, or top it with protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

6. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil for garnish?

Yes, you can use dried basil, but fresh basil will offer a more vibrant, aromatic touch. If you don’t have fresh basil for garnish, you can also use a sprinkle of dried basil.

7. Can I substitute the cucumber with another vegetable?

If you don’t like cucumber, you can try using zucchini or even thinly sliced bell peppers as a substitute.

8. How can I adjust the flavor if I don’t like it too tangy?

If you prefer a less tangy flavor, reduce the balsamic vinegar by half, or add a little more olive oil to balance it out.

9. How do I make the dressing creamier?

To make the dressing creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even a bit of mayonnaise.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best consumed fresh, as the cucumbers and tomatoes can become soggy over time.

Conclusion

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a deliciously light and refreshing dish that combines all the best flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the cool, crisp texture of cucumber. The combination of balsamic vinegar, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant herbs makes this salad perfect for a quick side dish or a light lunch. With endless variations to suit your preferences, it’s a versatile and satisfying salad that will brighten any meal.

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