Description
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese. It combines crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a flavorful dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic dried herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this salad comes together quickly in just 10 minutes for 4 servings.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
For the Salad
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: Peel the cucumber, then fork-score and thinly slice it before dicing into bite-sized pieces. Quarter the cherry tomatoes, chop the red onion finely, and cut the fresh mozzarella into similarly sized pieces to ensure uniformity in each bite.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful and aromatic dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh mozzarella with the prepared dressing to evenly coat all components, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 5-10 minutes to let the dressing soak into the vegetables, then serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- For extra freshness, use mozzarella balls (bocconcini) instead of a block for easier serving.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar based on your taste preference for acidity.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead; just store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to add fresh basil leaves to enhance the herbal flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats for a complete meal.
