Name: Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (drained); 2 cups grape tomatoes; 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Jump to Recipe

Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, Cucumber Caprese Salad is the very definition of summer simplicity. This modern riff on the Italian classic takes all your favorite caprese components—ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil—and tosses them with crisp, juicy cucumber and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the ultimate no-cook recipe for when you crave something refreshing yet satisfying, and it will steal the show at any picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner table.

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cucumber Caprese Salad serves a special purpose, from the creamy, pearl-sized mozzarella to the snappy cucumber bites. Let’s break down how each element brings the whole dish together in terms of flavor, texture, and color.

English cucumber: Its thin skin and mild flavor make it perfect for salads; no need to peel, and it stays wonderfully crisp.
Fresh mozzarella pearls: These tiny balls of cheese provide creamy richness in every forkful, soaking up the dressing beautifully.
Grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that wakes up the whole salad.
Fresh basil: Chopped basil brings an aromatic, peppery lift and turns every bite into a little Italian escape.
Balsamic vinaigrette: Tangy and slightly sweet, this dressing ties all the ingredients together with a lively kick.

How to Make Cucumber Caprese Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber

Start by slicing the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice those halves again to create quarters. Chop the quarters into bite-sized pieces. The smaller, more uniform your pieces, the more evenly they’ll mingle in the salad, ensuring every forkful has just the right mix of crunch and juiciness.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, bring together your chopped cucumber, drained mozzarella pearls, and the bright grape tomatoes. This is where the colors and textures start to come alive—think juicy reds, creamy whites, and cool greens in every scoop.

Step 3: Add Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sprinkle in the fresh chopped basil and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats each ingredient without crushing the delicate mozzarella or bruising the basil. This step is all about building layers of flavor while keeping things light and fresh.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

You can serve the Cucumber Caprese Salad right away if you’re craving instant brightness. For deeper flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator—just long enough for the dressing to infuse and everything to meld beautifully. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Cucumber Caprese Salad

Garnishes

For a simple yet striking garnish, scatter a few extra torn basil leaves on top or add a light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze for gorgeous sheen and tang. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of flaked sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper gives it that final gourmet flourish.

Side Dishes

Cucumber Caprese Salad truly shines alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a hunk of crusty bread. For a lighter meal, pair it with a chickpea salad or a platter of cured Italian meats. It’s also the ideal, palate-cleansing side for anything spicy!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving the salad in individual glass jars for picnics, or arrange it on a big platter with the ingredients artfully layered. Skewer the components for fun caprese kabobs, or nestle small mounds onto crostini for a fresh appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Cucumber Caprese Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to two days. The basil may wilt a bit, but everything will still taste wonderful, especially after the flavors have had more time to mingle.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this isn’t a salad to freeze. Cucumber and fresh mozzarella don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they’ll lose their signature crispness and creaminess. It’s best to enjoy Cucumber Caprese Salad as fresh as possible!

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad is all about freshness and staying cool. Simply give it a gentle toss before serving if it’s been in the fridge, to redistribute the vinaigrette and reawaken those lively flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumber?

Absolutely! If you use regular cucumbers, just peel them and scoop out the seeds for the best texture. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds, but any cucumber will work in a pinch.

Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the mozzarella pearls for diced avocado or use a plant-based cheese alternative. This way, you’ll still get creamy texture while keeping the salad entirely dairy-free.

What’s the best way to make homemade balsamic vinaigrette?

Just whisk together 3 parts olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar, add a little honey or Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the balance to your liking—homemade vinaigrette makes Cucumber Caprese Salad even more special.

Can I prepare Cucumber Caprese Salad ahead of time?

You sure can! Just chop and combine everything except the basil and balsamic vinaigrette. Add those right before serving so the herbs stay fresh and bright, and the veggies don’t get soggy.

What other herbs could I use instead of basil?

Try adding a sprinkle of fresh oregano or mint for a unique twist. Both offer wonderful aromatics that complement the vibrant flavors in this summery salad.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Caprese Salad is pure joy in a bowl: crunchy, creamy, and so colorful you can’t help but reach for seconds. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you ever expected—it might just become your new favorite way to capture the taste of summer!

Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese, featuring crisp cucumber, fresh mozzarella pearls, grape tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber:

1 English cucumber

Fresh Mozzarella Pearls:

8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (drained)

Grape Tomatoes:

2 cups grape tomatoes

Basil:

1/3 cup fresh chopped basil

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

Slice the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice in half again. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, mozzarella pearls, and grape tomatoes.
Add Basil and Dressing: Add the fresh chopped basil and balsamic vinaigrette to the bowl, then stir gently to combine.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian