Description
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing summer recipe that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil with a simple homemade dressing. Light, colorful, and full of fresh flavor, this salad is the perfect side dish for picnics, BBQs, lunches, and warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Balsamic glaze drizzle
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Extra basil leaves
- Crumbled Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers and cut cherry tomatoes in half.
- Make the dressing: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and red onion to a large bowl.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve fresh: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Finish with balsamic glaze or extra basil before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and ripe summer tomatoes. Prepare the dressing ahead of time for quicker assembly. If making in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cucumber caprese salad, summer salad recipe, fresh mozzarella salad, tomato cucumber salad, easy side dish, Italian summer recipe
