Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is your new go-to for a light, refreshing, and incredibly simple side dish or appetizer. This recipe redefines freshness, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining.
Key Ingredients for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
- 1 large cucumber (about 10-12 inches), thinly sliced (mandolin recommended for evenness)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls or one 8-ounce ball of fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar + 1 teaspoon honey, reduced)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
How to Make Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a revelation in simplicity and vibrant flavor, ready in mere minutes. It’s incredibly satisfying with its cool, crisp textures and bright, zesty notes, elevated by the creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. The quick preparation time, around 15 minutes, makes it an absolute winner for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Wash and thoroughly dry your large cucumber. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, carefully cut the cucumber into thin, uniform rounds. If using a mandolin, exercise caution and always use the safety guard. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Wash your cherry tomatoes and halve them. If you are using a larger ball of fresh mozzarella, drain it from its liquid and cut it into bite-sized cubes or pieces. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the fresh mozzarella pieces to the bowl with the cucumber.
- Incorporate the Basil: Gently wash and dry your fresh basil leaves. Stack a few leaves together and thinly slice them crosswise to create a beautiful chiffonade – these delicate ribbons of basil will infuse the salad with their distinct aroma and flavor. Sprinkle the basil over the cucumber, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the ingredients in the bowl. Then, carefully drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can easily make your own by simmering 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with 1 teaspoon of honey in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Season and Toss: Sprinkle the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. For a hint of spicy warmth, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Gently toss all the ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the olive oil and balsamic glaze. Be delicate to avoid bruising the tomatoes or mozzarella.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the salad a quick taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed, or add a touch more balsamic glaze if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Serve: The Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is best served immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crisp textures. You can serve it as is, or garnish with a few extra basil leaves for visual appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
You’ll adore this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad for its dazzlingly simple yet sophisticated presentation and its incredibly refreshing taste. The crisp cucumber provides a delightful coolness that perfectly complements the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and the creamy indulgence of fresh mozzarella, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Unlike traditional Caprese salads, which can sometimes feel heavy, this version offers a lighter, more hydrating experience, making it ideal for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Not only is it a joy to make and eat, but this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is also wonderfully budget-friendly. You can whip up this gourmet-quality dish for a fraction of the cost of restaurant appetizers, all while using simple, readily available ingredients. The sweet tang of the balsamic glaze and the fragrant pop of fresh basil truly elevate each bite, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. So, ditch the complicated recipes and give this effortless Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad a try – your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumber can become a bit watery and lose its crispness over time. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store and manage them:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. It’s important to note that the texture might change slightly; the cucumber will soften, and the mozzarella may absorb more dressing.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the high water content of the cucumber and tomatoes, along with the fresh mozzarella, will result in a mushy and unappealing texture upon thawing.
To serve leftover salad, gently drain off any excess liquid that may have accumulated at the bottom of the container before serving. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves or a tiny drizzle of fresh olive oil to perk it up.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Give this quick, refreshing recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite for its ease and delightful taste.
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and thoroughly dry your large cucumber. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, carefully cut the cucumber into thin, uniform rounds. If using a mandolin, exercise caution and always use the safety guard. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl.1 large cucumber
- Wash your cherry tomatoes and halve them. If you are using a larger ball of fresh mozzarella, drain it from its liquid and cut it into bite-sized cubes or pieces. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the fresh mozzarella pieces to the bowl with the cucumber.1 pint cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, 1 large cucumber
- Gently wash and dry your fresh basil leaves. Stack a few leaves together and thinly slice them crosswise to create a beautiful chiffonade – these delicate ribbons of basil will infuse the salad with their distinct aroma and flavor. Sprinkle the basil over the cucumber, tomatoes, and mozzarella.1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 large cucumber, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the ingredients in the bowl. Then, carefully drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can easily make your own by simmering 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar with 1 teaspoon of honey in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened and syrupy.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Sprinkle the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. For a hint of spicy warmth, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Gently toss all the ingredients together using salad tongs or two large spoons, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the olive oil and balsamic glaze. Be delicate to avoid bruising the tomatoes or mozzarella.1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, pinch red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Give the salad a quick taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed, or add a touch more balsamic glaze if you prefer a stronger flavor.1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- The Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is best served immediately to enjoy its peak freshness and crisp textures. You can serve it as is, or garnish with a few extra basil leaves for visual appeal.1/4 cup fresh basil leaves