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There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both familiar and new. This twist on a classic brings together the best of summer flavors. Crisp cucumbers offer a delightful crunch. They pair perfectly with juicy tomatoes. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy, dreamy element. It’s a simple yet elegant combination.
I often find myself reaching for this delightful cucumber caprese salad. It’s ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Busy weeknights are no match for its quick assembly. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy its clean, bright taste. It truly is a go-to for me.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cucumber caprese salad is a real winner. It’s incredibly fast to make. You can whip it up in minutes. The flavor is so fresh and vibrant. It’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s super versatile. Serve it at picnics or fancy dinners. Everyone always asks for the recipe! It’s a delightful summer staple.
Ingredients for Your Refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad
The magic of this cucumber caprese salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role. It creates a symphony of fresh flavors and textures.
English Cucumbers: These stars bring a cool, crisp crunch. They offer a refreshing base.
Tomatoes: Juicy cherry or grape tomatoes burst with sweetness. They add a lovely vibrant color.
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls: These little gems provide a soft, creamy bite. They melt in your mouth.
Fresh Basil: Its fragrant, peppery notes lift the entire salad. It screams summer!
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the heart of our simple dressing. It adds richness.
Balsamic Glaze: For that sweet and tangy finishing touch. It’s a flavor powerhouse.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
Substitutions and Tips
Want to switch things up? Feel free to use burrata instead of mozzarella. It adds an extra creamy texture. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. For a different herb, mint also works beautifully here. You can always find exact amounts in the recipe card.
The beauty of this cucumber caprese salad is its adaptability. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy simple, quality ingredients. So many variations are possible. It truly is a versatile dish. Enjoy creating your own perfect version.
How to Make Your Delicious Cucumber Caprese Salad
Making this delightful cucumber caprese salad is a breeze. Seriously, minimal effort, maximum flavor payoff. You’ll have a beautiful salad ready in no time. Let’s get that fresh basil and mozzarella ready.
Combine the Fresh Ingredients
First, grab a large serving bowl. This is where the magic happens. Add your sliced English cucumbers. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Next, add your mozzarella pearls. Finally, tear or chop your fresh basil. Sprinkle it all in.
Prepare the Simple Dressing
Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil. Add the balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a good mix until combined. This easy drizzle brings everything together.
Toss and Marinate
Pour that lovely dressing over your salad ingredients. Gently toss everything. Make sure each piece gets coated well. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle beautifully. It’s like a mini flavor party in the bowl.
Serve Your Refreshing Salad
For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze on top. This makes it visually stunning. Serve your cucumber caprese salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect beside grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy this incredibly fresh dish.
Storing this lovely cucumber caprese salad is a bit of a balancing act. Because cucumbers release water, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Still, if you have leftovers, you can store them. Keep the salad in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. Eat it within one or two days. This helps maintain its crispness. For longer storage, consider keeping the dressing separate. Add it just before serving. This prevents the salad from getting watery.
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cucumber caprese salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and light twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring crisp cucumbers alongside tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or a large ball, diced)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze, plus more for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
- Add the chopped fresh basil to the bowl.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze just before serving if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can use burrata instead of fresh mozzarella.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.
- This salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming too watery.
Tips for Success
- Use the freshest ingredients possible.
- Chill the salad before serving for best taste.
- Don’t over-toss the salad.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Slice cucumbers uniformly.
- Don’t skip the balsamic glaze drizzle!
Equipment for Your Cucumber Caprese Salad
You don’t need much for this fresh dish. Simple tools make preparing your cucumber caprese salad a breeze. Having the right equipment helps. It ensures great results every time.
- Large serving bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant cucumber caprese salad is wonderfully versatile. It’s a perfect light lunch. Pair it with grilled chicken breasts. It also complements baked salmon beautifully. Serve it alongside crusty bread for soaking up extra dressing. A crisp white wine makes a delightful pairing.
This refreshing cucumber caprese salad is quite adaptable. If you plan ahead, it’s best to prep components separately. Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Keep the dressing in a separate container. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. This will keep your ingredients crisp and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tomatoes work best for this salad?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for this cucumber caprese salad. They are sweet and burst with flavor. Halving them also helps them hold onto the dressing. Heirloom tomatoes can also work. Just make sure they are ripe and juicy.
Can I substitute the mozzarella?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella pearls are fantastic, you can switch it up. Burrata offers an even creamier texture. Small balls of fresh mozzarella or even crumbled feta can work. Each option provides a slightly different, yet equally delicious, experience for your salad.
How can I add a little spice to this salad?
If you enjoy a touch of heat, it’s easy to spice up your cucumber caprese salad. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also finely mince a fresh chili pepper. Toss it in with the cucumbers and tomatoes. This adds a lovely warmth without overpowering the fresh flavors.
