Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Name: Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium English cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bite-sized pieces or pearl balls); ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional garnish)

I first fell in love with this salad when my garden was overflowing with crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s a bright, no-cook dish that combines cool veggies, creamy mozzarella, and a simple herby dressing in under 15 minutes—perfect for hot afternoons or quick weeknight suppers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how effortlessly this salad comes together: no stove, no oven—just chop, toss, and serve. The cucumber and tomato keep every bite refreshing, while fresh mozzarella adds the perfect creamy counterpoint. The simple olive oil–balsamic dressing, boosted with oregano and basil, melds everything into a harmonious flavor. It’s make-ahead friendly for entertaining, yet simple enough for a solo lunch, and it always tastes like summer on a plate.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dressing:

olive oil
balsamic vinegar
dried oregano
dried basil
salt
pepper

For the salad:

cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced
cherry tomatoes, quartered
fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces or pearl balls
red onion, chopped
fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Peel the cucumber, run a fork along its length to create texture, then slice thinly and dice. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add the quartered cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion to the bowl.
Slice or ball the fresh mozzarella and add it to the vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10–15 minutes

Variations

Swap fresh mozzarella for burrata if you crave extra creaminess.
Use white balsamic or red wine vinegar in place of standard balsamic for a different tang.
Add sliced avocado or diced bell pepper for more color and texture.
Stir in fresh mint or parsley instead of basil for a fresh twist.
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds over the top for a nutty crunch.

storage/reheating

I store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though it’s best on day one before the vegetables release too much liquid. If it becomes watery, I drain any excess liquid and give it a quick toss. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in a sealed jar—just shake well before using.

FAQs

What kind of cucumber works best?

I prefer English or Persian cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. If I only have regular cucumbers, I peel and seed them to avoid bitterness and excess moisture.

Can I prep this salad in advance?

I chop all the vegetables and make the dressing up to a day ahead, storing them separately. When I’m ready, I combine and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

How can I prevent a watery salad?

I pat the cucumber slices dry and, if time allows, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them drain for 15 minutes in a colander. Then I rinse and pat dry again before assembling.

Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?

Mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine) work beautifully, or you can use cubed regular mozzarella in a pinch. Burrata is my go-to when I want an extra-creamy finish.

Can I turn this into a main-dish salad?

Absolutely—I often add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans for protein, and serve it over a bed of greens or cooked quinoa for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

I’m always delighted when a recipe this simple delivers maximum freshness and flavor. This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad has become my summer staple—it’s light, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m hosting friends or enjoying a solo meal, it never fails to refresh and satisfy.

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

ingredients

directions

Servings and timing

Variations

storage/reheating