This refreshing cucumber Caprese salad is a twist on the classic! With crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s light and full of flavor.
Add a zesty touch with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s like summer on a plate! 🌞 I love serving it as a cool side dish at barbecues—everyone asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I recommend English cucumbers for this salad as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too but peel them for a better texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are perfect because they’re sweet and juicy! Grape tomatoes could be a good substitute if cherry ones aren’t available. You can even use diced larger tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini gives a nice creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you might try part-skim mozzarella. It won’t have exactly the same taste, but it’s still delicious!
Fresh Basil: This is essential for that fresh, zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, try dried basil, but use less as it’s more concentrated. You might also experiment with fresh thyme or parsley.
How Do You Make the Dressing Extra Zesty?
The dressing is where you bring the flavors together! Start by whisking olive oil with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped basil. The key is to balance the acidity and the oil:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. If you have a lime, that works too!
- Adjust the garlic according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, try roasting the garlic first!
- Don’t forget to taste the dressing before pouring it over the salad—add more salt or lemon if you feel it needs a little kick.
Let your dressing sit for a few minutes. This will help the flavors blend beautifully before you toss it with your salad.
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad with Zesty Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad can be made in about 15 minutes! All you’ll need is a few minutes for prep to slice the veggies and mix up the dressing. Plus, letting it sit for 10 minutes allows the flavors to come together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds and halving the cherry tomatoes. Place them together in a large salad bowl. Add the fresh mozzarella balls to the bowl, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Make the Zesty Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add the chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. This zesty dressing will really brighten up the salad!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated. Be careful not to mash the mozzarella too much.
4. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This short wait time lets the flavors meld beautifully!
5. Serve the Salad:
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with extra basil leaves on top. If you’d like, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
6. Enjoy!
This salad is perfect as a refreshing appetizer or a side dish for any meal. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can use feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just crumble it over the salad instead of adding whole balls.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also enhance the salad with avocado for creaminess!
Can I Use Dried Basil Instead of Fresh?
Yes! While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute. Just remember to mix it into the dressing thoroughly since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the cucumbers crisp, add the dressing just before serving instead of mixing it in with the salad. Enjoy it as a quick snack or side!
