Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light, refreshing dish combining crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, enhanced with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze and olive oil. This colorful and healthy salad is perfect as a side or a light main for any season, offering vibrant flavors and an easy assembly with simple ingredients.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Fresh Produce
- 2 medium fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
Dairy
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into chunks
Dressings & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds to provide a crisp bite. Cut the ripe tomatoes into similar-sized pieces or slices, ensuring balanced texture and flavor throughout the salad.
- Slice the Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella and slice it into rounds or tear it into bite-sized chunks for that creamy texture that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.
- Arrange the Salad: Alternately layer or gently toss the cucumber slices, tomato pieces, and mozzarella, creating a colorful and inviting mix. Make sure the flavors are evenly distributed for each serving.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tear or chiffonade fresh basil leaves and sprinkle generously over the salad to infuse it with bright herbal aroma and flavor.
- Drizzle Dressing: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top. Season the salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Choose the freshest ingredients: Using ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and high-quality mozzarella makes all the difference in taste.
- Pat dry your vegetables: To avoid a watery salad, pat cucumbers and tomatoes dry with a paper towel before assembling.
- Use balsamic glaze wisely: A little drizzle goes a long way — avoid overpowering the delicate flavors by adding it sparingly.
- Serve immediately: This salad tastes best fresh; prepare just before serving to maintain crisp texture.
- Chill for extra freshness: If preparing in advance, refrigerate for no longer than an hour to keep veggies crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad, caprese salad variation, cucumber salad, fresh mozzarella salad, healthy salad, light appetizer