This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It brings a refreshing twist to the classic Caprese salad by incorporating crisp cucumbers alongside the usual juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze ties all the ingredients together, making it the ideal summer salad.
Ingredients
1 cucumber, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
Add the torn fresh basil leaves and toss gently to combine.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again to coat evenly.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate. It's best consumed within a day for the freshest taste, as the cucumbers and tomatoes may release moisture over time. There’s no need to reheat, as this salad is served cold.
FAQs
How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?
To make the salad vegan, simply replace the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative, such as cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes for cherry tomatoes. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces to maintain the balance of flavors.
Can I use a different type of dressing?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different dressing, you can use a simple olive oil and lemon dressing or a honey mustard vinaigrette instead of balsamic glaze.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
For added protein, you can toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a few slices of prosciutto.
Conclusion
This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for summer gatherings or light weeknight dinners. With its crisp ingredients and balanced flavors, it’s a refreshing alternative to traditional salads. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, it’s sure to be a hit!
Recipe:
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
1 cucumber, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
- Add the torn fresh basil leaves and toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives such as cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella.
If using regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes, ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.
If you'd like more protein, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or prosciutto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
