When summer hits and you’re craving a light, refreshing dish, the Cucumber Caprese Salad is your go-to. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect dish for a hot day, offering all the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with a cool twist from the cucumbers. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or bringing a dish to a summer gathering, this salad is bound to impress with its fresh ingredients and effortless preparation.
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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Caprese Salad
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is everything you need for a perfect summer meal. It’s quick, easy, and packed with fresh ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 10 minutes, you can have this salad on the table without any cooking. Perfect for a no-fuss meal.
- Healthy and Light: The crisp cucumbers and ripe tomatoes provide a hydrating and light texture, while the mozzarella adds a creamy richness.
- Versatile: Whether as a side dish or a standalone meal, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients for Cucumber Caprese Salad
This salad is simple, requiring just a few staple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
• Cucumbers: Provide a refreshing, crisp texture. Use English cucumbers for a milder, less bitter taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they complement the freshness of the cucumbers.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy and delicate, mozzarella adds richness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Offers a touch of sharpness and color.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth with its sweet and tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth, it ties the salad together.
• Herbs (Basil and Oregano): Fresh herbs elevate the dish, bringing in that classic Italian flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you want to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, here are some great alternatives:
• Cheese: Substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata for an extra creamy version, or use mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine) for a fun twist.
• Onion: Not a fan of raw onions? Opt for green onions for a milder taste or skip them entirely for a simpler salad.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can easily replace balsamic vinegar, offering a different depth of flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley or mint can be a unique addition if you want to change up the flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Caprese Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Cucumber Caprese Salad:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice one cucumber. Use a fork to score the skin of the cucumber before slicing to enhance the texture. Dice the cucumber into small pieces and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the Tomatoes and Onion: Quarter 1½ cups of cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers. Chop ½ of a large red onion and toss it into the bowl. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with green onions.
- Add the Mozzarella: Slice 8 oz of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or use mozzarella balls (ciliegine). Add the cheese to the bowl and mix to combine.
- Toss and Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cucumber Caprese Salad
To make sure your Cucumber Caprese Salad turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Prevent Watery Salad: To avoid excess moisture, salt the cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Dry the Mozzarella: Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels to ensure there’s no excess liquid that could water down the dressing.
- Serve Fresh: While this salad can be made ahead, it’s best enjoyed the same day to keep the vegetables crisp. Add the dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Flavor Balance: Taste and adjust the oil-to-vinegar ratio before serving. Depending on the vinegar used, you may want to tweak it for a more balanced flavor.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
The Cucumber Caprese Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Grilled Chicken: The salad’s lightness complements the richness of grilled chicken perfectly.
- Crusty Bread: Serve it alongside some crusty bread with olive oil for dipping.
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp or a simple pasta like spaghetti aglio e olio will elevate the meal.
- Barbecue: This refreshing salad works wonders with burgers, sausages, or even a perfectly grilled steak.
For variations, consider adding other fresh herbs like mint or parsley, or toss in some arugula for a peppery kick.
How to Store and Make Ahead
If you have leftovers or want to prep ahead, here’s what you need to know:
- Storage: This salad is best eaten fresh. However, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Expect some liquid to accumulate, so drain the excess before serving.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients separately, store them in the fridge, and combine them just before serving. The dressing can also be made up to 3 days in advance.
Enjoy this delightful Cucumber Caprese Salad as a refreshing dish that’s sure to impress!
Conclusion:
The Cucumber Caprese Salad is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that will elevate your summer dining experience. With its balance of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic dressing, this refreshing salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a side for a BBQ, or a light dish to serve at a family gathering, this salad has you covered. You can make it ahead of time, tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy its burst of freshness. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your new go-to for warm days when simplicity and flavor are key!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Cucumber Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients separately in advance and combine them just before serving. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining. However, the salad is best served fresh to maintain its crispness, so avoid adding the dressing until right before serving.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
You can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, make sure to peel them and remove the seeds, especially if they’re large, to avoid a bitter taste.
How long will the Cucumber Caprese Salad last in the fridge?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers and tomatoes will release more liquid as it sits, so drain any excess liquid before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
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Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tangy balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something light, healthy, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
- Optional: fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Peel and slice the cucumber. Use a fork to scrape the skin up and down to create a textured surface. Dice it into small pieces and place in a medium-sized bowl.
- Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumbers.
- Chop the red onion into small pieces and add it to the bowl. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with green onions.
- Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, use green onions instead of red onions.
- Feel free to substitute the balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different taste.
- Ensure to salt the cucumbers and let them drain to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
- For extra creaminess, try using burrata cheese instead of mozzarella.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
