This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is the ultimate refreshment for warm summer days. By combining the classic flavors of a traditional Italian caprese with the crisp crunch of garden-fresh cucumbers, you get a side dish that is light, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You are going to love this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad because it takes only 10 minutes to throw together. It is the perfect solution for using up an abundance of garden vegetables like tomatoes, basil, and cucumbers. Unlike the traditional version, the addition of cucumber adds an extra layer of hydration and texture that makes it even more refreshing. Whether you are heading to a backyard BBQ, a potluck, or just need a quick healthy lunch, this salad fits every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber (thin-skinned and mild)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice each half in half again. Chop these sections into bite-sized pieces. You may choose to peel them first, though English cucumbers have a very tender skin.
- Combine the base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, the drained mozzarella pearls, and the grape tomatoes.
- Season and dress: Add the fresh chopped basil and the balsamic vinaigrette to the bowl.
- Toss: Gently stir the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
- Chill or serve: You can serve the salad immediately or place it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld until you are ready to eat.
Expert Tips for the Best Salad
To ensure your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a hit, always use fresh basil. Dried basil simply cannot replicate the aromatic sweetness that fresh leaves provide. If you are serving this at a party, consider keeping the dressing on the side or drizzling it right before serving to prevent the cucumbers from losing their signature crunch. Using English cucumbers is highly recommended because they have smaller seeds and a thinner skin, which blends better with the soft mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to customize this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad to suit your preferences:
- Add Red Onion: For a bit of a bite and extra color, toss in some thinly sliced red onions.
- Balsamic Glaze: Instead of a vinaigrette, use a thick balsamic glaze for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
- Add Protein: Turn this side dish into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, chilled shrimp, or steak strips.
- Pesto Twist: Swap the balsamic vinaigrette for a few tablespoons of basil pesto for a deeper herbaceous flavor.
- Avocado: Fold in some chopped avocado right before serving for a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a versatile companion to many main dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled lemon herb chicken, garlic butter shrimp, or even a simple pan-seared salmon. If you are hosting a summer cookout, serve it alongside burgers and hot dogs to provide a light, healthy contrast to the heavier grilled meats. It also makes a wonderful topping for toasted baguette slices if you want to create a “cucumber caprese bruschetta.”
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours of preparation.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Note that the tomatoes and cucumbers may release some water the longer they sit in the dressing.
Freezing: This recipe is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh vegetables and mozzarella will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: This is a cold salad and should not be reheated.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 103 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 243mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice each half in half again. Chop these sections into bite-sized pieces. You may choose to peel them first, though English cucumbers have a very tender skin.1 English cucumber
- Combine the base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, the drained mozzarella pearls, and the grape tomatoes.1 English cucumber, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, 2 cups grape tomatoes
- Season and dress: Add the fresh chopped basil and the balsamic vinaigrette to the bowl.1/3 cup fresh chopped basil, 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Toss: Gently stir the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
- Chill or serve: You can serve the salad immediately or place it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld until you are ready to eat.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella up to 24 hours in advance. However, for the best results, wait to add the fresh basil and the balsamic vinaigrette until just before you plan to serve it.
What can I use if I cannot find mozzarella pearls?
If mozzarella pearls are unavailable, you can buy a standard ball of fresh mozzarella and simply chop it into small, bite-sized cubes. The flavor and texture will remain exactly the same.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Peeling is optional. English cucumbers have very thin skin that is easy to eat. If you are using a regular garden cucumber with a thicker, waxier skin, you may prefer to peel it or “zebra peel” it (leaving some strips of green) before chopping.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the label of your store-bought balsamic vinaigrette to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.