🥒🍅 Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – Crisp, Creamy & Fresh in Minutes 🎉 Introduction

If you're looking for a salad that’s cool, refreshing, and ready in minutes, this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is your answer. It’s a crisp twist on the Italian classic—fresh cucumbers join juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for warm weather meals, barbecues, or light lunches. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, this salad delivers flavor, crunch, and color with every bite. Best of all? It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

Print Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1 large English cucumber thinly sliced or halved into moons
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini or ciliegine
¼ cup fresh basil leaves torn or chiffonade
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
½ avocado diced (for creaminess)
Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick
Drizzle of pesto or lemon juice

Equipment

Large salad bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small jar or bowl for dressing
Serving spoon or tongs

Method

Prep the Veggies
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Slice or halve the cucumber (peel if desired).
Tear basil leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Drain mozzarella balls and pat dry if needed.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, and basil.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the salad.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Serve Immediately
Serve fresh, chilled, and garnished with more basil or balsamic glaze if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

Do Not Freeze: The texture of tomatoes and cucumbers changes after freezing.

Serving Tip: If stored, drain excess liquid and add a splash of fresh olive oil and basil before serving again.

🥄 Variations

Greek Twist: Add olives, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Grilled Version: Grill the cucumbers or tomatoes lightly for a smoky flavor.

Protein Add-In: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete meal.

Fruit Swap: Add diced watermelon or strawberries for a sweet-savory combo.

Vegan: Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English?
Yes, just peel and de-seed them to reduce bitterness.

What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and vinegar?
Glaze is thicker and sweeter—great for drizzling. Vinegar is tangier and more acidic.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but assemble just before serving to keep it crisp.

What kind of mozzarella should I use?
Bocconcini or ciliegine are ideal. You can also cube a mozzarella log.

How do I chiffonade basil?
Stack the leaves, roll them, and slice thinly into ribbons.

Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes—just keep an eye on balsamic amounts if you're tracking carbs closely.

Can I add pasta to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Toss in cooked, cooled pasta for a Caprese pasta salad.

Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
You can, but fresh olive oil and balsamic bring better flavor and freshness.

How can I keep cucumbers from getting soggy?
Salt them lightly and pat dry with paper towels before adding to the bowl.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh is strongly preferred, but in a pinch, use a light sprinkle of dried basil.

🏁 Conclusion

This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and fresh—a refreshing upgrade to your usual side dish lineup. With just a few ingredients and minutes of your time, you can serve something that’s healthy, beautiful, and bursting with flavor.

It’s a summer staple you’ll come back to again and again!