Okay, so you know Caprese salad, right? The classic Italian thing with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil? Well, get ready for a super easy, breezy twist! I’m talking about Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s basically the same amazing flavors, but with cool, crisp cucumber slices instead of just tomatoes. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when you want something light and refreshing.
I totally adore this recipe because it’s ridiculously simple. Like, almost-too-easy simple. You just slice, arrange, and drizzle! It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something that tastes incredible. Plus, it looks so pretty! The green cucumbers, white mozzarella, and red tomatoes? Gorgeous. And let me tell you, after years of throwing this together for potlucks and quick lunches, I’ve got it down to a science. I even grow my own basil just for this salad! This is seriously one recipe you’ll be making again and again – especially in the summer.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Seriously, what’s not to love? This salad is the BEST. Here’s why I’m obsessed, and you will be too:
- Quick prep – We’re talking minutes!
- Super refreshing taste – Perfect for hot days.
- Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy or hard to find.
- Healthy vegetarian option – Feel good about what you’re eating!
- Visually appealing – It looks as good as it tastes, promise!
Quick and Easy to Make
Okay, so prep time is basically just slicing the cucumbers and halving the tomatoes. That’s it! I swear, it takes longer to find a serving platter than it does to actually make the salad. You can literally whip this up right before you eat. No slaving away in the kitchen here!
A Refreshing and Flavorful Salad
This isn’t your heavy, weigh-you-down kind of salad. It’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor! The cool cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes are just *chef’s kiss*. And that little drizzle of balsamic? Perfection! It’s so satisfying without being at all heavy. I could eat this every single day, no joke.
Ingredients for Your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You really don’t need much for this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad, which is part of why I love it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cucumbers, sliced (I like using English cucumbers ’cause the skin is thin, but whatever you have is fine!)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved (the little ones, like cherry size, are perfect)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (any kind will do, but the sweeter ones are my fave)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (seriously, FRESH basil is key here!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (go for the good stuff; it makes a difference!)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze – yum!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Make Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the super-simple secret to making this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad. There’s really no cooking involved, which is awesome! It’s all about the arrangement and the drizzle. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! You’ll want to have everything prepped – cucumbers sliced, tomatoes halved, mozzarella ready to go – because once you start assembling, it goes FAST. And remember, even though there’s no cooking, timing matters! You want to serve this pretty much right away so the cucumbers stay crisp. Oh, and about those cucumbers: aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. You don’t want them paper-thin, or they’ll get soggy!
Prepare the Cucumber Base
First things first, grab your prettiest platter (or just a regular plate, whatever!). Arrange those cucumber slices in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly if you like, or make a fancy spiral pattern. Have fun with it!
Add Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Now comes the fun part! Scatter those halved mozzarella balls and cherry tomato halves all over the cucumber slices. Try to distribute them evenly so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. It’s like a colorful treasure hunt!
Garnish and Dress the Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Almost done! Sprinkle that chopped fresh basil all over the top. Then, drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper! And that’s it! Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Tips for the Perfect Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Want to take your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, splurge on good olive oil. Seriously, it makes a difference! Trust me. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little zing if you’re feeling spicy. My absolute *favorite* thing is to serve this salad immediately. The cucumbers are at their crispiest, and everything just tastes fresher. Don’t let it sit around too long, okay?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Okay, so let’s talk swaps! This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is pretty flexible. Don’t have cherry tomatoes? No sweat! Use Roma or even just regular sliced tomatoes. I’m a big fan of the small mozzarella balls (ciliegine!), but you can totally cube a larger ball of fresh mozzarella if that’s what you’ve got. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using burrata instead of mozzarella. It’s extra creamy! Mmm, burrata. Just promise me you won’t skip the fresh basil, okay? That’s non-negotiable!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad, but what do you serve it with? Well, honestly, it’s great on its own as a light lunch. But if you want to make it a full meal? I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. And don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious olive oil and balsamic vinegar! Yum!
Storing Leftover Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Okay, so ideally, you’ll gobble up this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad right away. It’s seriously best served fresh! But, if you have leftovers (lucky you!), you can totally refrigerate them. Just know that the cucumbers might get a little softer. I wouldn’t keep it for more than a day, tops!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Got questions about this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad? I bet you do! Don’t worry; I’ve got answers to the most common ones. Let’s dive in!
Can I make Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad ahead of time?
Okay, so here’s the deal: this salad is definitely best served fresh. But hey, if you’re short on time, you *can* prep the ingredients ahead. Slice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, chop the basil… just keep everything separate and assemble right before serving, okay?
What’s the best balsamic vinegar for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad?
Ooh, good question! I’m a HUGE fan of using a good-quality balsamic glaze or reduction. It’s a little sweeter and thicker than regular balsamic vinegar, and it just adds a touch of fancy! But honestly, regular balsamic vinegar works just fine too. Just go with what you like!
Nutritional Information for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutritional info here is an estimate! It’ll vary depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so please don’t take it as gospel.
Enjoy Your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad!
So, what are you waiting for? Go make this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad! And hey, if you loved it, leave a comment and rate the recipe! Share it on social media, too! I wanna see your creations!
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Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad: Ditch Tomatoes, Gain Flavor
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and refreshing cucumber Caprese salad. A simple twist on a classic.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange cucumber slices on a platter.
- Top with mozzarella balls and cherry tomato halves.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Refrigerate for later, but best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
