Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for warm days or light meals. Combining crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze (optional), for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella alternately on a large serving plate or platter, overlapping slightly for an attractive presentation.
2. Step 2: Scatter fresh basil leaves evenly over the layered vegetables and cheese.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the salad with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired for extra flavor.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a cooler salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use Persian or English cucumbers for a milder, less watery crunch.
• Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• For a vegan version, substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese or avocado slices.
• Toss ingredients gently with a little pesto instead of olive oil for a herbaceous twist.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, keep dressing separate and add just before serving. Mozzarella may release some liquid upon resting, so drain if needed before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can drizzle balsamic vinegar or a mixture of balsamic vinegar and honey for similar sweet-tart flavor.

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

A refreshing and light Cucumber Caprese Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, topped with fresh basil and a simple dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a healthy side dish.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables and cheese: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into even, medium-thick rounds. Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds similar in size to the vegetables to ensure balance in every bite.
2. Layer the ingredients: On a serving platter, arrange alternating slices of cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella in a single layer or overlapping pattern to create an attractive presentation.
3. Add basil and dressing: Scatter fresh basil leaves evenly over the layered salad. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately: For best freshness and flavor, serve the salad immediately after assembling. It can also be chilled briefly if preferred, but avoid letting it sit too long to preserve the crispness of the cucumber.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best texture and taste.
• You can add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
• To make it vegan, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives.
• This salad is best served fresh to maintain cucumber crunch.

Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, Italian Salad, Fresh Salad, Mozzarella Salad, Summer Salad