Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Let me tell you, after years of whipping up fresh salads for backyard barbecues and lazy Sunday lunches, this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad has become my go-to summer lifesaver. There’s something magical about the way crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella come together with just a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. It’s the kind of no-fuss dish that makes you look like a kitchen pro, even if you’re really just craving something cool and refreshing on a hot day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

This salad is my summer MVP for so many reasons:

• Ready in 10 minutes flat – no cooking, no fuss, just chop and toss
• Cooling crunch from fresh cucumbers that just screams summer
• Bursts of juicy sweetness from ripe cherry tomatoes
• Creamy mozzarella that makes it feel indulgent (but it’s totally guilt-free)
• Perfect for vegetarians and a hit at every potluck I’ve ever brought it to

Seriously – it’s impossible not to love this refreshing combo!

Ingredients for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing salad – trust me, every ingredient matters:

• 2 large cucumbers – sliced thin (I leave the peel on for extra crunch)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved (the sweeter, the better!)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls – drained and patted dry
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – chopped (don’t even think about dried)
• 2 tbsp good olive oil – the fruity kind makes all the difference
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – aged is best if you have it
• 1/2 tsp salt – I use flaky sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked

That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together in minutes. Just wait until you taste how amazing they are together.

How to Make Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Making this salad is so simple, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that take it from good to “oh-my-goodness-can-I-have-the-recipe” great. Follow these steps, and you’ll have the perfect refreshing salad in no time.

Step 1: Prep Vegetables and Cheese

First things first – grab your cucumbers and slice them about 1/4-inch thick. I like to keep the peel on for that extra crunch and pretty green color. For the tomatoes, just slice them in half – no need to get fancy here. Now, here’s my secret: pat those mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel. Trust me, you don’t want extra moisture making your salad watery!

Step 2: Combine and Dress

Gently toss everything together in a big bowl – I mean gently, like you’re handling little clouds of mozzarella! Drizzle with olive oil first, then the balsamic vinegar. A little goes a long way – you want just enough to coat everything, not drown it. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, give it one last careful toss, and you’re done! I like to let mine chill for about 10 minutes before serving – just enough time for the flavors to get friendly with each other.

Tips for Perfect Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

After making this salad more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips:

• Tomatoes must be ripe – seriously, taste one first! Underripe tomatoes will leave your salad tasting bland.
• Drain mozzarella well – I pat mine dry with paper towels to prevent a watery mess.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick – it wakes up all the flavors!
• Serve immediately or the cucumbers lose their perfect crispness. (Though I’ve definitely eaten leftovers straight from the fridge at midnight – no judgment!)

Follow these, and your salad will be the star of any summer table!

Variations for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Sometimes I like to mix things up with this salad – here are my favorite twists:

• Avocado instead of mozzarella – creamy and dreamy (just add it right before serving)
• Lemon juice swap for balsamic when I want something brighter
• Add watermelon cubes in peak summer – sounds weird but tastes amazing!
• Crumbled feta when I’m craving something saltier

The best part? You really can’t mess this up – just use what you love!

Serving Suggestions

This salad’s basically summer on a plate! I love pairing it with grilled chicken for a light dinner, or scooping it up with crusty bread for lunch. It’s my go-to for picnics too – just toss it in a mason jar and go. The flavors hold up beautifully outdoors!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s the deal with leftovers – pop them in an airtight container and they’ll keep in the fridge for about 2 days. The cucumbers lose some crunch, but I still happily snack on them! Whatever you do, don’t freeze this salad – the texture turns into a sad, mushy mess. Trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (and trust me, it’s good news!): Each serving clocks in at about 180 calories, with plenty of protein from that creamy mozzarella. Of course, these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – especially the size of those mozzarella balls you toss in!

Common Questions About Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. I find vine-ripened tomatoes work best – they’ve got that perfect sweet-tart balance. Just avoid anything too watery (looking at you, beefsteaks!).

How long does this salad actually last in the fridge?
About 2 days max – but honestly, it’s best eaten fresh. The cucumbers start losing their crunch after day one. If you must store it, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Prep everything separately the night before – keep cucumbers/tomatoes in one container, mozzarella in another, and dressing in a jar. Toss together right before serving. Your future party-self will thank you!

Final Thoughts

Give this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad a whirl and let me know what you think! Tag me in your photos or leave a rating – nothing makes me happier than seeing folks enjoy this simple summer staple as much as I do. Happy tossing! For more great recipes, check out BBC Good Food.

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