Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Cucumber Caprese Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a flavorful herb-infused balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is easy to prepare, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or fresh basil)
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
Salad
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel a washed cucumber, then use a fork to scrape the skin in up-and-down motions creating a textured surface. Thinly slice and dice the cucumber, placing it in a medium bowl.
- Add the Tomatoes and Onion: Quarter 1½ cups of washed cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumber. Thinly slice and chop ½ large red onion into small pieces, and add to the bowl. If preferred, the onion can be omitted.
- Add the Mozzarella: Slice 8 oz fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls. Add the cheese to the bowl containing the vegetables, mixing to distribute evenly.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- For a fresher herb flavor, substitute dried basil with fresh basil leaves.
- If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- Serve chilled for best taste.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, but add mozzarella just before serving to keep its texture.
- Omit onion for a milder flavor or if catering to sensitive palates.
Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, fresh mozzarella salad, Italian salad, summer salad, no-cook salad, tomato cucumber salad