Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced avocado, toasted pine nuts, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and basil leaves thoroughly.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- In your salad bowl, layer the cucumber slices and halved tomatoes evenly. Scatter the mozzarella balls throughout the bowl.
- Tear or chiffonade the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them generously over the salad.
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze in thin streaks over the top for a beautiful finish and delicious flavor.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently with tongs to combine all the ingredients without breaking the mozzarella balls or squishing the tomatoes.
- Optional garnish: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or toasted pine nuts for extra flair.
- Plate the salad immediately or chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving for a refreshing twist.
Notes
[‘Choose ripe tomatoes for better flavor.’, ‘Store sliced cucumber in cold water in the fridge to maintain its crunch if prepping ahead.’, ‘Go easy on the balsamic glaze to avoid overpowering the other flavors.’, ‘Toss gently to keep the salad looking fresh and vibrant.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Cucumber Caprese Salad, Summer Salad, Fresh Salad, Italian Salad, Gluten-Free Salad, Low-Carb Salad