Name: Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon dried basil; Pinch of salt; Pinch of pepper; 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

Description

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a light, vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese using crisp cucumber instead of traditional basil leaves. Combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic dressing infused with dried oregano and basil, it's a refreshing, easy-to-make dish perfect for a healthy appetizer or side salad.

Ingredients

Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper

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

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Instructions

Prepare the cucumber: Peel the cucumber, use a fork to score it lightly to create texture, then thinly slice and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella: Quarter the cherry tomatoes and cut the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized chunks to match the cucumber pieces.
Chop the onion: Finely chop the half red onion into small pieces to add a mild sharpness to the salad.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, a pinch of salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pieces, and chopped red onion.
Add dressing and toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the mozzarella.
Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
For a fresher herb flavor, substitute dried oregano and basil with fresh ones if available.
Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper to taste.
This salad is best consumed the same day for optimal freshness.