This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic dish! It’s made with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese that’s so delicious you might just want to eat it all yourself!
I love how easy this salad is to put together. Just chop, layer, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a bright flavor. Perfect for warm days when you want something light and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers give the salad a nice crunch. I prefer using English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too, just peel them if the skin is thick.
Cherry Tomatoes: These bring sweetness and juiciness. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use any other kind of ripe tomato, just chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love creamy bocconcini for this salad. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try using burrata for a richer taste, or even store-bought mozzarella cheese can work in a pinch.
Fresh Basil: This adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. If fresh basil is unavailable, try dried basil; you’ll need much less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds sweetness and tang. If you can’t find glaze, regular balsamic vinegar can be used instead. Just drizzle a bit more since the glaze is thicker and sweeter.
How Do I Keep My Salad Fresh and Flavorful?
To keep your Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad at its best, focus on preparation and serving:
- Chill your cucumbers before slicing for extra freshness.
- Dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. Save the dressing until you’re ready to eat.
- For added flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after dressing; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate to maintain texture.
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad With Creamy Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or sliced fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. You can enjoy it right after making it, or let it chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors and freshness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Then, thinly slice them into rounds. Once sliced, arrange the cucumber rounds slightly overlapping on a large serving platter. This will create a beautiful base for your salad.
2. Add the Tomatoes:
Take the halved cherry tomatoes and scatter them evenly over the cucumber slices. The vibrant colors will make your salad look even more appealing!
3. Place the Mozzarella:
If you have fresh mozzarella balls, tear them into bite-sized pieces, or if you’re using sliced mozzarella, layer the slices over the cucumbers and tomatoes. Try to be generous, as the creamy mozzarella adds a delightful texture.
4. Add Basil:
Next, take your fresh basil leaves and tear them gently. Sprinkle these fragrant leaves over the salad. They will provide a fresh and aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
5. Season:
Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad to enhance the flavors. Taste as you go to ensure it’s seasoned just right!
6. Dress the Salad:
Finally, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze (or vinegar) over the entire salad. This dressing will tie all the flavors together and add a lovely shine!
7. Serve:
Enjoy this fresh, creamy, and light cucumber Caprese salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. If you prefer it cooler, pop it into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can use burrata for a creamy texture or even crumbled feta for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on taste preferences!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella and consider adding avocado or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a creamy, cheesy flavor. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative if you prefer!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes. When ready to eat, just drizzle the dressing over the salad again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or even avocados for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure the additional veggies complement the salad’s freshness!
