Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a bright, crunchy twist on the classic Caprese. Thin cucumber slices give a cool, crisp base. Soft fresh mozzarella adds creamy richness. Sweet cherry tomatoes pop with juice and color. Fresh basil adds an herbal aroma. A drizzle of olive oil and balsamic brings tang and silk. This salad tastes light, fresh, and satisfying — perfect for warm lunches, picnics, or as a colorful side. If you enjoy light desserts after a fresh salad, try pairing it with chocolate donuts with fresh strawberry glaze for a fun contrast of flavors.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~245 kcal
- Protein: ~11 g
- Carbohydrates: ~5 g
- Fat: ~19 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~3.5 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
Why Make This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
This salad is quick, fresh, and full of texture. The cucumber gives a cool crunch. Mozzarella adds smooth creaminess. Cherry tomatoes bring sweet acidity. Basil gives an aromatic lift. It brightens any meal and needs no cooking. It looks beautiful on the plate and smells like summer. Make it when you want something light but satisfying.
How to Make Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
This recipe is simple: slice, layer, drizzle, and serve. Use cold ingredients and a sharp knife for clean slices. Pat the mozzarella dry to avoid extra moisture. Dress just before serving so cucumbers stay crisp. Taste and adjust salt and oil as you go.
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Slice the cucumbers and arrange them on a serving platter. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds. Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towel if it is wet.
Step 2: Mixing
Layer the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes on top of the cucumbers. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers so each bite has herb aroma.
Step 3: Cooking
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss very gently or let the platter sit for a minute so the dressing settles.
Step 4: Finishing
Serve immediately and enjoy! The salad is best fresh while the cucumber is crisp and the mozzarella is cool and creamy.
How to Serve Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature. Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or crusty bread. It makes a bright side for BBQs and outdoor meals. For a party, serve on a large platter so guests can pick layers. Garnish with an extra basil sprig and a little cracked black pepper for presentation.
How to Store Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 1–2 days. Note: cucumbers release water and the salad will get soggy over time. To keep texture, store dressing separately and add just before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Use firm, fresh cucumbers for maximum crunch. English or Persian cucumbers work well.
- Drain or pat mozzarella dry to avoid a watery salad.
- Slice with a sharp knife for even rounds and a pretty presentation.
- Taste the dressing on a spoon before pouring. Add more oil or vinegar to balance.
- If you like extra zip, add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Salt lightly at first; mozzarella and balsamic add saltiness too.
Delicious Variations
- Burrata Swap: Use burrata instead of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Avocado Addition: Add sliced avocado for richness and a buttery texture.
- Red Onion & Olive: Thinly sliced red onion and kalamata olives add a savory bite.
- Pesto Drizzle: Swap some olive oil for basil pesto for a deeper herb flavor.
- Lemon Balsamic: Mix a little lemon zest into the balsamic for bright citrus notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prepare components in advance, but assemble close to serving. Cucumbers and tomatoes can be sliced and stored for a few hours. Keep dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Q: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh?
A: Fresh mozzarella works best for texture and mild flavor. Firm block mozzarella will work in a pinch, but the salad will be less creamy.
Q: How do I keep cucumbers from getting soggy?
A: Slice just before serving. If you must slice early, sprinkle with a little salt and set in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess water. Pat dry before assembling.
Q: Is this salad suitable for vegans?
A: Not as written. Replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese or marinated tofu for a vegan version. Adjust salt and oil to taste.
Q: What vinegar is best with this salad?
A: Traditional balsamic adds sweetness and depth. For a sharper bite, use red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar. Mix vinegar with oil to taste.
Q: Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
A: Yes. Add grilled shrimp, sliced grilled chicken, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Conclusion
This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is fresh, crunchy, and simple to make. It brings bright flavors and creamy texture to any meal. If you want another take on cucumber and tomato combinations, see Lemon Tree Dwelling’s cucumber Caprese Salad for a similar, flavorful idea. Try this salad today — it’s fast, pretty, and full of summer taste.
Print
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light, fresh salad featuring crispy cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 4 Cucumbers
- 8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and arrange them on a serving platter. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into rounds. Pat the mozzarella dry with a paper towel if it is wet.
- Layer the mozzarella and cherry tomatoes on top of the cucumbers. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers so each bite has herb aroma.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss very gently or let the platter sit for a minute so the dressing settles.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! The salad is best fresh while the cucumber is crisp and the mozzarella is cool and creamy.
Notes
To keep texture, store dressing separately and add just before serving. This salad is best consumed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
