Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a bright and vibrant take on a classic, where juicy cucumbers join forces with ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a lively herb-infused marinade. Every bite is full of cool crunch, tangy bursts, and velvety cheese, making it the perfect salad to awaken your tastebuds on a warm day. Whether you’re tossing it together for a quick lunch or impressing friends at your next gathering, this simple yet stunning dish deserves a regular spot on your table.

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a breeze, but each one really plays a crucial role in the final flavor. Fresh veggies, creamy mozzarella, and an herbaceous vinaigrette turn the ordinary into something utterly craveable.

  • Olive oil: The backbone of the marinade, olive oil brings richness and ties all the flavors together with a mellow, slightly peppery note.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Adds a sweet, tangy kick that highlights the vegetables and makes the salad incredibly refreshing.
  • Dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, oregano infuses depth into every mouthful and echoes classic Caprese flavors.
  • Dried basil (or fresh): Lends a burst of herbal brightness; using fresh basil will take the salad’s flavor up a notch if you have it handy.
  • Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each wakes up every ingredient and balances the dish.
  • Cucumber: Use your favorite variety, peeled and fork-scored for a bit of flair and extra crunch; it adds a subtle sweetness and refreshing texture.
  • Cherry tomatoes: These bring juicy, sweet-tart bursts of flavor and a pop of color that makes your salad as pretty as it is delicious.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creamy, delicate mozzarella rounds out the dish, making each bite satisfying and rich without being heavy.
  • Red onion: Chopped small, red onion adds sharpness and color contrast—feel free to adjust to your taste or leave it out if you’re not an onion fan.
  • Optional fresh basil leaves: Go the extra mile with a few basil leaves for big aroma and classic Caprese style.

How to Make Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by making an easy marinade that will tie your salad together with beautiful flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil (or fresh, if you’re feeling fancy), and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined, then set it aside and let the herbs and vinaigrette become best friends while you chop the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Next, focus on the cucumber. Peel it, then take a fork and gently scrape it up and down the outside, creating little grooves that catch the dressing and make the cucumbers extra pretty. Slice it thin, then cut those slices into small dice. Put all that crisp cucumber in a medium bowl so it’s ready for all the goodness to come.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Onion

Quarter your cherry tomatoes for cute, bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the cucumber. If you like onion, chop half a large red onion into fine bits—its slight sharpness balances the creamy cheese and sweet tomatoes perfectly. If onions aren’t your thing, you can absolutely skip them, but they really do elevate the salad with a little bite.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella

Slice the fresh mozzarella into pieces roughly the same size as your cucumbers and tomatoes, or grab those adorable bite-sized mozzarella balls if you have them. Toss them in the bowl, scattering them evenly throughout so every forkful gets its share of cheese.

Step 5: Combine and Marinate

Pour your prepared marinade over the pile of vegetables and cheese. Use a big spoon to gently mix everything together, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes before serving; this short marinating time allows the flavors to mingle and turn simple veggies into a Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad masterpiece.

How to Serve Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a flourish of fresh basil leaves for a pop of green and an unmistakable aroma. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few twists of black pepper can add a little extra magic. If you love an extra hit of acidity, a bit more balsamic glaze drizzled on top is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fantastic side for almost any main course. It pairs especially well with grilled chicken, fish, or simple roasted meats, and it’s perfect alongside light pastas or rustic bread for scooping. If you’re hosting a picnic or potluck, this salad is a refreshing counterpart to heavier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, serve the salad in individual glasses or mason jars, layering the ingredients for a fun, portable presentation. You can also spoon it onto crostini as a vibrant appetizer, or pile it into a halved avocado for a show-stopping brunch. The colors and textures always look impressive, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 days, though it’s at its absolute best within the first 24 hours, when the vegetables are still crisp and the flavors are bright.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing. The fresh veggies and mozzarella don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing; cucumbers especially can turn watery and mushy. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or chilled from the fridge.

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so reheating isn’t recommended or needed. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the marinade, and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you want to soften the chill.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Any ripe, flavorful tomato will work in Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cherry or grape tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less watery, but garden tomatoes are delightful, too.

Is it necessary to peel and fork-score the cucumber?

Peeled cucumbers have a milder, less bitter flavor and a more tender texture, but leaving a bit of skin on is fine for extra crunch and color. Fork-scoring is optional, but it makes the salad look charming and helps the marinade cling to each piece.

What’s the best type of mozzarella for this salad?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy, delicate texture. You can use large mozzarella balls and cut them up, or go for bite-sized bocconcini or ciliegine if available—they look pretty and are easy to toss in.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! You can swap out the mozzarella for a vegan cheese alternative, or use avocado chunks for a completely dairy-free and still delicious Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad.

How far in advance can I prepare Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad?

You can prep the veggies and marinade a few hours ahead of time, but wait to combine everything and add the cheese until just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying, Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad always delivers. Treat your friends, family, or just yourself to this burst of summer on a plate—you won’t regret it!

Print

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

A refreshing and flavorful Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad that combines the classic Caprese ingredients with the addition of crisp cucumbers for a delightful twist.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch pepper

For the salad:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade

    In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

  2. Prepare the Vegetables

    Peel and dice the cucumber. Add to a bowl. Quarter cherry tomatoes and chop the red onion. Add to the bowl.

  3. Add the Mozzarella

    Slice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl with other vegetables.

  4. Combine and Marinate

    Pour the marinade over the vegetables and cheese. Mix well to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, Caprese Salad, Cucumber Salad, Summer Salad

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