How to Make Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a salad that’s as fresh as a summer breeze? Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my absolute favorites: the Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and it’s perfect for those warm summer days when you just want something simple yet satisfying. Plus, it’s a great addition to your quick family dinners or as a side for your next BBQ. And guess what? It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect summer veggie salad that’s light and refreshing
• No cooking required—just chop, mix, and serve!
• Great for healthy side dishes or even as a light lunch
• Customizable to your taste preferences
• Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for 30-minute meals

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad:

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

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s so simple, you’ll be enjoying it in no time!

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Start by peeling a washed cucumber. Use a fork to scrape the skin up and down a few times to create a textured surface. Slice the cucumber thinly and then dice it into small pieces. Place the diced cucumber in a medium-sized bowl.
3. Quarter the washed cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumbers. Next, thinly slice and dice a red onion. Add the onion to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes. If you prefer not to use onion, you can omit this step.
4. Slice mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls if you have them available. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed in the bowl.
5. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and cheese in the bowl. Mix everything well, ensuring the marinade coats all the ingredients evenly. Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop and merge beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to make your Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad even better:

• Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’re not a fan of red onion, feel free to skip it or substitute with a shallot for a milder flavor.
• Let the salad marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Add some fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

How to Serve

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for serving:

• As a side dish for your next BBQ or cookout
• Alongside grilled meats or fish for a light summer dinner
• As a healthy snack on its own
• Paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:

• Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Give the salad a good stir before serving if you’ve made it ahead of time.

And there you have it, my friends! A Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad that’s perfect for summer dinner sides, best cookout side dishes, or even as a gluten-free side dish for BBQ. It’s healthy, easy, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Looking for more cucumber salad inspiration? Check out these other tasty recipes:

• Cucumber Vinegar Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad

Enjoy your salad and happy cooking!