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Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

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This fresh cucumber caprese salad combines diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh mozzarella with a tangy herb vinaigrette. The quick marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, and basil enhances the vibrant flavors of the veggies and cheese. Easy to prepare, it's perfect for a light, flavorful side dish or appetizer. Letting the salad marinate for 10 minutes makes for a flavorful, beautifully blended dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:33:18 GMT
A white bowl filled with vegetables. Pin it
A white bowl filled with vegetables. | tastystanza.com

This fresh cucumber caprese salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella for a light yet satisfying dish. The simple marinade brings everything together with classic Italian flavors, making it perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish any time of year.

I first made this salad when my garden was overflowing with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Now it has become my go-to recipe whenever I need something light yet impressive for unexpected guests.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: provides the base for the marinade and adds richness
  • Balsamic vinegar: offers that perfect tangy sweetness that complements the vegetables
  • Dried oregano: brings authentic Mediterranean flavor; look for high quality herbs for best results
  • Dried basil: adds aromatic sweetness; pairs beautifully with tomatoes
  • Cucumber: creates the refreshing base; choose firm ones without soft spots
  • Cherry tomatoes: provide bursts of juicy sweetness; select ripe ones with vibrant color
  • Fresh mozzarella: adds creamy richness; splurge on good quality buffalo mozzarella if possible
  • Red onion: contributes a sharp contrast to the mild ingredients; look for firm purple onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:
Combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. The ratio here is important for balanced flavor. Add the dried herbs and seasonings while whisking gently. Let this mixture sit while preparing the vegetables to allow the dried herbs to infuse the oil. This simple step elevates the entire dish.
Prepare the Cucumber:
Peel the cucumber completely to remove any waxy coating or bitter skin. The fork scoring technique creates texture that helps the dressing cling better to the cucumber pieces. Slice thinly and then dice for bite-sized pieces that blend well with the other ingredients.
Add the Tomatoes and Onion:
Quarter the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy flavor. The smaller pieces help distribute the tomato flavor throughout the salad. Add finely diced red onion for a pop of color and flavor. Cutting the onion small ensures it complements rather than overpowers the other ingredients.
Add the Mozzarella:
Cut the mozzarella into pieces similar in size to the cucumber and tomato for balanced bites. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables. Distribute evenly throughout the salad to ensure every serving gets plenty of cheese.
Combine and Marinate:
Pour the prepared dressing over all ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 10 minutes before serving. The vegetables will release some of their juices creating an even more flavorful marinade.

The balsamic vinegar is truly the secret star of this recipe. My grandmother always said that good balsamic transforms simple ingredients into something special. The way it caramelizes slightly and brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes reminds me of summer evenings in her garden.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepped in advance with a simple trick. Prepare all the vegetables and cheese and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the marinade separate in a small jar. When ready to serve just combine everything and let sit for those crucial 10 minutes before serving. This method keeps the cucumbers crisp and prevents the cheese from absorbing too much dressing.

Easy Variations

While traditional caprese uses mozzarella you can experiment with different cheeses. Feta adds a salty tang that works wonderfully with the fresh vegetables. Goat cheese provides a creamy tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet tomatoes. You could even try small cubes of pepper jack for a spicy twist on this classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad works as both a side dish and a light meal. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner. Spoon it onto toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer. You can even stuff it into pita pockets with some hummus for a portable lunch option. The bright flavors complement almost any main dish especially Italian or Mediterranean inspired meals.

A bowl of salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Pin it
A bowl of salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. | tastystanza.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, prepare the ingredients and marinade separately in advance, then combine just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of mozzarella?

Feta or goat cheese are great alternatives, offering a tangy flavor and crumbly texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, although the texture may soften slightly.

→ Can I omit the red onion?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the red onion or replace it with green onions or chives for a milder flavor.

→ What type of cucumber works best?

English cucumbers or seedless varieties work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Refreshing cucumber, tomato, mozzarella salad with herb vinaigrette.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: merry


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Dressing

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
03 1 tablespoon dried oregano
04 1 tablespoon dried basil
05 Pinch of salt
06 Pinch of pepper

→ Salad

07 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, and diced
08 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
09 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces or pearl-sized
10 ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until combined and set aside for the flavors to meld.

Step 02

Peel the cucumber, then use a fork to create a textured surface by scraping along its skin. Slice it thinly and dice into small pieces. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl.

Step 03

Quarter the cherry tomatoes and place them in the bowl with the cucumber. Thinly slice and dice the red onion, then add it to the mix. Skip this step if you prefer not to use onion.

Step 04

Slice mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls, then add them to the bowl. Mix to ensure even distribution.

Step 05

Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220.5
  • Total Fat: 17.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8.2 g
  • Protein: 8.6 g