This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining crisp cucumbers with creamy mozzarella and sweet tomatoes. It is the ultimate summer side dish that highlights the best of garden-fresh produce in just 10 minutes. Whether you are heading to a backyard barbecue or looking for a light lunch, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad in your regular recipe rotation. First, it takes the traditional caprese flavors and adds a satisfying crunch that makes the dish feel even lighter and more vibrant. It is incredibly quick to assemble, requiring no cooking and very little prep work. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to use up an abundance of summer cucumbers and tomatoes from your garden or the local farmers’ market. The combination of sweet balsamic, fragrant basil, and rich mozzarella creates a flavor profile that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber (sliced and chopped)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (drained)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Slice the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice each half in half again to create quarters. Chop these into bite-sized pieces. You may peel the cucumbers first if you prefer, though English cucumbers have thin enough skin that peeling is optional.
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, the drained mozzarella pearls, and the grape tomatoes.
- Season and dress: Add the freshly chopped basil and the balsamic vinaigrette to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently to ensure everything is evenly coated without bruising the basil or breaking the mozzarella.
- Finish and serve: You can serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshest textures, or cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to eat.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad, use an English cucumber. These are often sold in plastic wrap and have much smaller seeds and a thinner, less bitter skin than standard slicing cucumbers. If you can only find regular cucumbers, it is best to peel them and scoop out the seeds with a spoon before chopping.
Another tip is to use high-quality balsamic vinaigrette. Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of the dressing really shines through. If you have the time, a homemade vinaigrette with extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar will elevate the dish. Lastly, always use fresh basil; dried basil simply cannot replicate the peppery, sweet aroma that defines a true caprese.
Variations & Substitutions
This salad is highly customizable based on what you have in your pantry. You can add sliced red onions for a bit of a bite or chopped avocado for extra creaminess. If you want to turn this into a full meal, try adding a protein like grilled chicken, chilled shrimp, or even steak strips.
For the dressing, you can substitute the balsamic vinaigrette with a thick balsamic glaze for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor. If you are a fan of pesto, adding a tablespoon of basil pesto to the mix can intensify the herbal notes. For a different cheese profile, chopped feta or goat cheese can be used in place of mozzarella, though it will change the traditional caprese character.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is the perfect companion for grilled meats. Serve it alongside grilled chicken breasts, burgers, or a juicy steak. It also works beautifully as part of a summer picnic spread with sandwiches and fruit. If you want to keep things light, serve it as a standalone lunch with a piece of crusty Italian bread to soak up the leftover balsamic dressing at the bottom of the bowl.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Because this salad relies on the crispness of the cucumbers and the freshness of the basil, it is best enjoyed the day it is made. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Note that the tomatoes may soften and the basil may darken over time due to the acidity in the vinaigrette.
This recipe is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would ruin the texture of the fresh mozzarella and turn the cucumbers into a mushy consistency once thawed. No reheating is required as this dish is intended to be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
| Metric | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 103 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 243mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the cucumbers: Slice the English cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice each half in half again to create quarters. Chop these into bite-sized pieces. You may peel the cucumbers first if you prefer.1 English cucumber
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, the drained mozzarella pearls, and the grape tomatoes.1 English cucumber, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, 2 cups grape tomatoes
- Season and dress: Add the freshly chopped basil and the balsamic vinaigrette to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently to ensure everything is evenly coated without bruising the basil or breaking the mozzarella.1/3 cup fresh chopped basil, 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Finish and serve: You can serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshest textures, or cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to eat.
Notes
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cucumber, tomatoes, and mozzarella up to 24 hours in advance. However, for the best appearance and flavor, wait to add the fresh basil and the balsamic vinaigrette until just before serving.
What if I cannot find mozzarella pearls?
If mozzarella pearls (the tiny balls) are unavailable, you can buy a large ball of fresh mozzarella or “bocconcini” (medium balls) and simply chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the label on your store-bought balsamic vinaigrette to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing thickeners or additives.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work perfectly. If they are large, you may want to slice them in half so they are easier to eat and can better absorb the dressing.