Can I make Cucumber Caprese Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, and storing them separately in the fridge. The mozzarella should remain whole until you're ready to serve. The dressing can also be made in advance and stored in a jar in the fridge for up to three days. Combine everything just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Can I substitute the mozzarella in this recipe?

Yes! If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), burrata for extra creaminess, or even regular mozzarella cubes, though the texture will be firmer. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan mozzarella.

What can I serve with Cucumber Caprese Salad?

Cucumber Caprese Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken or shrimp, as well as Italian-inspired dishes like spaghetti aglio e olio. It's also a great side for BBQ favorites like burgers, sausages, or steak. For a more substantial meal, serve it with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

To avoid excess moisture in your Cucumber Caprese Salad, salt the cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 15-20 minutes. Also, make sure to pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before adding it to the salad. This helps maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.

Cucumber Caprese Salad: Best 10-Minute Summer Recipe

Name: Cucumber Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried basil; Pinch salt; Pinch pepper; 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters; 8 oz fresh mozzarella; ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces; Optional: fresh basil leaves

Description

Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light and refreshing dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for warm summer days, this no-cook recipe takes just minutes to prepare and is ideal for casual gatherings, BBQs, or a healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
8 oz fresh mozzarella
½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
Optional: fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and score the cucumber with a fork to create a textured surface. Slice the cucumber thinly, then dice it into small pieces and place in a medium-sized bowl.
Add the Tomatoes and Onion: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Thinly slice the red onion and add it as well. (Optional: skip the onion for a milder taste.)
Add the Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the vegetables.
Combine and Marinate: Pour the marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For a different flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon or red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
If you’re short on time, make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
To avoid a watery salad, salt the cucumbers and let them drain for 15-20 minutes before mixing.
For a dairy-free version, substitute fresh mozzarella with vegan mozzarella.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 150-200 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg