Meet your new favorite summer side dish: the Cucumber Caprese Salad. This recipe takes the classic Italian salad you know and love—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—and adds a delightfully crisp, refreshing twist with the addition of fresh cucumber. It’s a simple, no-cook recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect solution for a quick lunch, a light dinner side, or a vibrant appetizer for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create a truly unforgettable flavor experience.
Why This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a Summer Must-Have
You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. It’s incredibly fresh, vibrant, and packed with the classic flavors of summer. Unlike the traditional version, the cucumber adds a wonderful crunch and an extra layer of cool, refreshing flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the mozzarella. It’s a game-changer!
This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to make. With no cooking required, you can whip it up in minutes. It’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a healthy choice for almost any dietary preference. It’s the simple, elegant, and crowd-pleasing dish your summer menu has been missing.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Salad
The beauty of this Cucumber Caprese Salad lies in its simplicity. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients is the key to achieving the best possible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cucumbers: I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers. They have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture that’s perfect for this salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes are ideal. They are sweet, juicy, and their small size works perfectly with the other ingredients. Look for a mix of colors to make the salad even more visually appealing.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls (also called “ciliegine”) are the easiest option. If you can’t find them, a fresh mozzarella ball torn into bite-sized pieces works just as well.
- Fresh Basil: This is non-negotiable! Fresh basil provides that classic, aromatic Caprese flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: A thick, sweet balsamic glaze brings all the flavors together. It’s a richer, more concentrated version of balsamic vinegar.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
This recipe is all about simple assembly. Just follow these quick steps for a perfect salad every time.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and drying your produce. Slice the cucumbers and halve the cherry tomatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Cheese and Basil: Gently add the mozzarella pearls to the bowl. Chiffonade (thinly slice) the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic glaze over the ingredients.
- Season and Toss: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the mozzarella to stay intact.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad right away.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Want to take your salad from great to absolutely spectacular? Here are a few expert tips:
- Use the Freshest Ingredients: This can’t be stressed enough. The quality of your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will make or break this dish.
- Don’t Dress It Too Early: Wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming watery and keeps everything crisp.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, make sure your cucumbers and tomatoes are well-chilled before you begin.
- Salt Strategically: Salting the cucumbers and tomatoes a few minutes in advance can draw out excess water, leading to a more concentrated flavor. Just be sure to drain any liquid before dressing. If you’re looking for another great salad idea, this chickpea and cucumber salad is a must-try.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this simple Cucumber Caprese Salad is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal. It pairs beautifully with dishes like garlic butter shrimp pasta.
- Include Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add some diced avocado.
- Bring in Some Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion can add a sharp, piquant bite that contrasts nicely with the other flavors.
- Try Different Herbs: While basil is classic, a little fresh mint or oregano can add a new dimension of flavor.
What to Serve With Your Salad
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a versatile side that complements a wide range of main courses. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken or steak. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty pasta dishes, such as a classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta, cutting through the richness with its fresh, bright flavors.
FAQs About Cucumber Caprese Salad
Absolutely! You can add avocado for creaminess, thinly sliced red onion for a sharp bite, or grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a complete meal. Some people also enjoy adding a sprinkle of fresh mint.
It is best served immediately for optimal freshness and crunch. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop the vegetables and store them separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the cucumbers will soften and release water over time, changing the texture of the salad.
English or Persian cucumbers are the best choice. They have thin skins, which means no peeling is necessary, and they contain fewer seeds and less water, resulting in a crispier salad.
A simple dressing of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a thick balsamic glaze is classic and highly recommended. The glaze’s sweetness perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
Storing Leftovers
It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the cucumbers will release water and lose some of their crispness over time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad! It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and a rating below. Don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious inspiration!
Cucumber Caprese Salad
Cucumber Caprese Salad: A Refreshing 10-Minute Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- Sprinkle the fresh basil over the salad mixture.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Serving: For best results, dress the salad just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
