Cucumber Caprese Salad
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fresh, crunchy twist on the classic Italian favorite, featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a burst of fresh herbs. It’s the perfect easy summer side dish for picnics, BBQs, or any meal that needs a light, refreshing touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 medium English cucumbers (about 14 oz), sliced into thin rounds
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 10 oz), halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), drained and halved
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh basil or mint leaves (about 1/2 oz), torn or chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced
- Optional: 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup olives, pitted and halved
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water and pat dry.
- Slice cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Halve cherry tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks.
- Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry. Tear or chop basil or mint leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. Sprinkle herbs over the top.
- Drizzle olive oil evenly over the salad. Add sea salt and black pepper. If using, drizzle balsamic glaze on top.
- Gently toss everything together with salad tongs or a large spoon, being careful not to crush the mozzarella or tomatoes.
- Transfer salad to a serving platter or bowl. Garnish with extra basil or mint leaves for color. For a decorative look, alternate cucumber and tomato slices in a spiral pattern.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed.
- Serve immediately while cucumbers are crisp and mozzarella is cool.
Notes
For best results, pat cucumbers and mozzarella dry before assembling to prevent sogginess. Salt the salad just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp. Chill ingredients for 30 minutes before assembling for extra refreshment. If prepping ahead, keep dressing and herbs separate until serving. For a dairy-free version, use vegan mozzarella or avocado. Salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
Keywords: cucumber caprese salad, summer salad, Italian salad, fresh mozzarella, easy side dish, gluten-free, vegetarian, picnic salad, BBQ side, healthy salad