Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Introduction

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining crisp cucumbers with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. This refreshing salad comes alive with a flavorful herb marinade, perfect for warm days or as a light side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp dried basil (or 3 tbsp fresh chopped basil)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (choose a good quality aged vinegar)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper
• Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
• ½ large red onion, finely chopped
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, halved or torn into small pieces
• 1 cucumber, peeled, scored, and diced into ½-inch pieces

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the ingredients are fully mixed. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
2. Step 2: Peel the cucumber, use a fork to score the skin gently for texture, then thinly slice and dice into small pieces. Place the diced cucumber in a medium bowl.
3. Step 3: Add quartered cherry tomatoes and finely chopped red onion to the bowl with the cucumber. If you prefer, you can omit the onion for a milder salad.
4. Step 4: Add the fresh mozzarella pieces to the bowl, distributing them evenly among the vegetables.
5. Step 5: Pour the prepared marinade over the salad and mix gently to coat all ingredients. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Swap balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a lighter, zestier dressing.
• Include sliced avocado or toasted pine nuts for added texture and richness.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing summer treat.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The vegetables and cheese may release a bit of liquid over time; gently drain before serving. For best texture, consume within the first day. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is meant to be enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. However, for the freshest texture, it is best served within the day it is made.

What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, you can use burrata for creaminess or a mild feta for a tangy twist.

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light and refreshing twist on the classic Italian Caprese, combining crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella. Marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs, it makes a perfect easy appetizer or side dish packed with vibrant colors and fresh taste.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Marinade

• 2 tbsp olive oil (Colavita extra virgin recommended)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (aged, good quality)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil (or 3 tbsp fresh chopped basil)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

Salad

• 1 cucumber (peeled, fork-scored, sliced thinly, then diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• ½ large red onion (finely chopped, optional for milder flavor)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (cherry-sized balls halved or small torn pieces)
• Optional: fresh basil leaves (torn or chiffonaded for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil (or fresh basil), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the salad.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel the washed cucumber, then use a fork to scrape up and down its skin several times to create a textured surface. Slice the cucumber thinly before dicing into 1/2-inch pieces. Place the diced cucumber into a medium-sized bowl.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Onion: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumber. Finely chop the red onion and add it as well, if using, to add a mild onion flavor. Mix gently to combine.
4. Add the Mozzarella: Slice or tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or halve the pearl-sized mozzarella balls. Add the cheese to the bowl, sprinkling evenly over the vegetables. Toss gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
5. Combine and Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the salad ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing. Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to develop and merge the flavors beautifully.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh basil in the marinade and as garnish for a more aromatic and fresh herbal flavor.
• The red onion is optional; omit if you prefer a milder salad without onion sharpness.
• Use aged balsamic vinegar for a richer and sweeter flavor profile in the marinade.
• Letting the salad marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances the blend of flavors but avoid longer than 30 minutes to keep cucumber crisp.
• This salad is best served fresh on the same day it is made.

Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, Fresh Caprese, Italian Salad, No Cook Salad, Healthy Salad, Fresh Mozzarella Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Salad