Description
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer side dish featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all tossed in a light olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect for warm weather meals, it combines classic Caprese flavors with a cool cucumber twist for a quick, healthy, and delicious salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (or bocconcini), halved or cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the cucumbers thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes or dice a large tomato, and cube or halve the fresh mozzarella balls. Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze), and Dijon mustard if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred balance.
- Combine Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the delicate mozzarella.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors, or cover and chill for 15-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the flavors to develop further. Before serving, optionally garnish with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added depth.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best creamy texture.
- For a tangier salad, substitute balsamic vinegar with balsamic glaze.
- Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor fusion but serve within a few hours for optimal freshness.
- Can be served as a side dish or light main course, ideal for summer picnics and barbecues.
- Dijon mustard in the dressing is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor.
