Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the crispness of cucumbers, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the creaminess of fresh mozzarella cheese. With a light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, it becomes a delightful summer treat. It’s not only easy to make but also healthy and visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.

How to Make Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Slice the cucumbers into rounds.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

How to Serve Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish alongside grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. You can also garnish it with extra basil leaves for added flavor and color.

How to Store Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within a day or two because the cucumbers may release water, making it soggy over time.

Tips to Make Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
• Make sure to slice the cucumbers just before serving to maintain their crispness.

Variation

Try adding other ingredients like avocado for creaminess, or switch out the basil for arugula for a peppery twist. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese to change the flavor profile a bit.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to make this salad fresh; however, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine them just before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with feta cheese or even goat cheese for a different taste.

What can I serve with this salad?

Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a larger buffet spread. It’s versatile and complements a variety of main dishes.

Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Print Recipe

A refreshing and vibrant salad combining cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

• Author: lila-monroe
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers into rounds.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
3. Cut the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness. For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Cucumber, Caprese, Salad, Summer Dish, Healthy Recipe