why make this recipe
Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fresh, light dish perfect for warm days. It combines the crispness of cucumbers with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. This salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing with its vibrant colors. It’s a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or anytime you want a healthy meal.
how to make Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Slice the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in half.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before serving.
how to serve Cucumber Caprese Salad
Serve the salad fresh as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. It’s best enjoyed soon after making it, but you can also refrigerate it for a while. A sprinkle of extra basil or a few more cherry tomatoes on top can add an attractive touch.
how to store Cucumber Caprese Salad
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may become a bit soggy from the dressing over time, so it’s better to eat it fresh.
tips to make Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Use firm cucumbers to keep a nice crunch in the salad.
- Fresh mozzarella is best for this recipe, but you can use other types if necessary.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil and balsamic vinegar to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder to the dressing.
variation
You can add other ingredients like avocado or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. For a touch of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture.
2. Is this salad vegan?
No, this salad contains mozzarella cheese. You can substitute it with tofu or a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan.
3. Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! You can use any type of tomatoes you prefer, such as grape tomatoes or even diced large tomatoes.
Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, light salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in half.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before serving.
Notes
For best results, serve fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg