I crafted a cucumber caprese salad blending refreshing cucumber slices, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with aromatic basil leaves. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a subtle touch of balsamic reduction balance the flavors. Salt and freshly ground pepper tie it all together in this light summer dish.

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I’ve gotta share this twist on a classic that I think you’re going to love! My Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a super simple yet delightful dish perfect for summer picnics or barbecues.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it brings together freshness and flavor. I start with a large cucumber that I slice thinly and layer it with 3 ripe tomato slices and 8 oz of fresh mozzarella.

Adding a generous handful of fresh basil leaves really makes the flavors pop. I drizzle 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over everything and season it up with a bit of salt and black pepper.

Sometimes I like to top it off with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra twist. This salad is a real crowd pleaser when you’re after an easy, healthy side dish that’s both light and satisfying for summer dinner or picnic sides.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe cause it’s super simple to put together and doesn’t require a bunch of complicated steps. I mean, slicing a cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella and then layering them with basil is just easy and fun. I also dig the mix of flavors – the crunchy cucumber, juicy tomato, and that creamy mozzarella paired with fresh basil make every bite feel like a burst of summer. Plus, it’s perfect for when I want something refreshing on a hot day without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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Thinly sliced cucumbers add refreshing crunch and natural fiber, aiding healthy digestion.
Juicy tomatoes offer vitamins and a sweet tangy flavor, plus a burst of antioxidants.
Fresh mozzarella provides quality protein and a creamy texture that makes it extra tasty.
Fresh basil leaves bring a vibrant aroma and fresh herbal taste, boosting flavor big time.
Extra virgin olive oil offers heart healthy fats and smooth finish to lift flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

1 large cucumber, thinly sliced

3 ripe tomatoes, sliced

8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

A generous handful of fresh basil leaves

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Optional: a drizzle of balsamic reduction

How to Make this

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1. Start by layin out all your ingredients so you can easily grab them when needed.

2. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and do the same with the tomato for even looks.

3. Cut the fresh mozzarella into slices that match the cucumber and tomato slices.

4. On a large plate or platter, arrange layers by alternatin cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella in an overlapping pattern.

5. Tuck in the fresh basil leaves between the layers; if some leaves are big, feel free to tear ’em into smaller pieces.

6. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over your salad, makin sure each bite gets a little flavor.

7. Season with salt and black pepper early so the flavors meld together.

8. If you’re feelin fancy, add a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top.

9. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to let the flavors come together.

10. Enjoy your refreshing salad at room temperature or chill it a bit before servin.

Equipment Needed

1. A clean counter space or table to lay out all your ingredients
2. A large cutting board for slicing the cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella
3. A sharp chef’s knife to cut the vegetables and cheese evenly
4. Measuring spoons for the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper
5. A large serving plate or platter to arrange the salad layers and display the final dish

FAQ

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

A: Yep, you can throw in some olives or red onion for extra zing. They add a nice twist without overpowering the basic flavors.

Q: How long can I store the salad?

A: It's best eaten fresh, but if you need to store it, cover it up and pop it in the fridge for about a day. The basil might lose its vibe if kept for too long.

Q: What's the secret to slicing the cucumber?

A: Use a good knife or a mandolin to get thin, even slices. This way every bite gets that perfect mix of crunch and flavor.

Q: Do I really need balsamic reduction?

A: Not at all. The balsamic is totally optional. It's just a cool extra if you like a sweet tangy finish on top of your salad.

Q: Can I swap out fresh basil if I don't have any?

A: Sure, you could use spinach or even arugula for a different taste. Fresh basil is best though if you want that classic Caprese vibe.

Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant get fresh mozzarella, try switching to bocconcini or burrata since they work just as well and add a nice creamy texture.
If extra virgin olive oil is out of stock, you could use a light avocado oil that won’t overpower the salad’s flavors.
For the tomatoes, if your ripe ones are hard to find, cherry or grape tomatoes can be an easier substitute and they add a sweet burst of flavor.
If fresh basil leaves aren’t available, a small pinch of dried basil can work fine – just remember its a bit more potent so use less than you think.
Don’t have balsamic reduction handy? You can quickly make a substitute by simmering regular balsamic vinegar with a little sugar until it thickens up.

Pro Tips

1. If you got one, try usin a mandoline to slice the cucumber and tomatoes real even so your salad looks neat and the flavors mix better.
2. Don’t be shy with the olive oil drizzle while layering your salad, it helps every bite get a bit more flavor and makes the whole thing more yummy.
3. Let your salad sit for a few minutes after dressin it up, this gives the salt and pepper time to work their magic, even if you’re in a hurry.
4. Give the basil a quick tear before tossin it in, it helps to release more of its fresh flavor – plus shredded basil kinda looks cooler on the plate.
5. Try a tiny squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before servin if you like a bit more zing, it really brightens up the salad without overpowering it.