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Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fresh cucumber caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a bowl.

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A refreshing no-cook summer salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella with a simple garlic-balsamic dressing. It’s a quick, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for hot days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3-4 regular cucumbers), sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (ciliegine, pearls, or 1 large ball cubed)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables and cheese. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons. Halve the tomatoes. If using a large mozzarella ball, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Place all in a large bowl.
  2. Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and optional honey. Season generously with salt and pepper until emulsified.
  3. Combine. Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella. Add the fresh basil leaves.
  4. Toss and serve. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

For best texture, do not dress the salad more than 2-3 hours ahead. Store components separately for meal prep. For a vegan version, use marinated tofu or plant-based mozzarella.

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