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Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Category: Perfect Pairings & Anytime Bites

This salad combines fresh cucumber diced thinly for a delicate crunch, with juicy cherry tomatoes quartered to add sweetness. Cubes of creamy mozzarella complement the medley, while finely chopped red onion brings a mild bite. The dressing, a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and basil, coats the ingredients evenly, enhancing their natural flavors. Allowing it to rest briefly helps the tastes meld together, resulting in a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for warm days or light meals.

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Breanna
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 02:53:34 GMT
A white plate with a salad of cucumber, tomato, onion, and cheese. Save
A white plate with a salad of cucumber, tomato, onion, and cheese. | foodiffy.com

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a delightful and light twist on the classic Italian favorite perfect for warm days or when you want a no-cook, fresh dish. It combines the cool crunch of cucumber with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a hint of sharpness from red onion all tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It comes together quickly and delivers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that feels refreshing and satisfying.

I first made this after craving something fresh and light on a summer evening. It quickly became a staple side dish for BBQ gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: adds richness and helps blend the flavors choose extra virgin for the best taste
  • Balsamic vinegar: brings sweetness and acidity select a good quality bottle for depth
  • Dried oregano and basil: add classic Italian herb notes use fresh if available but dried works well too
  • Cucumber: peeled and fork-scored to create texture makes every bite refreshing and crisp
  • Cherry tomatoes: offer juicy sweetness look for firm ripe ones for best flavor
  • Fresh mozzarella: delivers creamy mild milkiness buy the freshest you can find for softness and taste
  • Red onion: gives a slight sharp bite chop finely to avoid overpowering the salad
  • Fresh basil leaves: optional for garnish and an extra layer of aroma pick tender bright green leaves

Instructions

Build The Dressing:
Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and set aside. This step allows the flavors to marry and makes sure every bite of salad will be coated with the vinaigrette.
Prepare The Cucumber:
Peel the cucumber completely. Using a fork, scrape the skin vertically a few times to create ridges which help the dressing cling better. Slice the cucumber thinly and then dice into small pieces. Add to a medium bowl.
Add Tomatoes And Onion:
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add to the bowl with cucumber. Thinly slice and then dice the red onion finely and add it in. This layering builds the salad's texture and flavor complexity.
Incorporate The Mozzarella:
Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized chunks or use small mozzarella balls if you prefer. Toss them gently with the vegetables so the cheese stays fluffy and creamy throughout the salad.
Combine And Marinate:
Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Mix thoroughly but carefully to avoid smashing the tomatoes and mozzarella. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend and deepen.
A white plate with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese.
A white plate with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese. | foodiffy.com

My favorite part is the cucumber's crunch paired with creamy mozzarella. It reminds me of summer afternoons with my family where simple fresh food brought us together on the porch.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The salad is freshest enjoyed the same day as the cucumber and tomatoes tend to release water over time. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store for longer and toss just before serving.

Ingredient swaps

Swap dried herbs for fresh ones like chopped oregano and basil for a brighter flavor. Use cherry heirloom tomatoes for extra color and sweetness. If you cannot find fresh mozzarella try a firm feta for a tangier variation. Red onion can be swapped with thinly sliced shallots or mild green onions.

Serving ideas

Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It makes a satisfying appetizer when spooned onto toasted baguette slices. Add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra texture.

A white plate with a salad of cucumber, tomato, and cheese.
A white plate with a salad of cucumber, tomato, and cheese. | foodiffy.com

This fresh cucumber caprese salad is a quick no-cook delight perfect for any warm day or gathering.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How should I prepare the cucumber for this salad?

Peel the cucumber, then use a fork to create texture by scraping up and down the skin before slicing it thin and dicing into small pieces for freshness and crunch.

→ Can I use pearl mozzarella instead of regular mozzarella?

Yes, pearl-sized mozzarella balls work well and add a nice bite-sized element to the salad, distributing creamy flavor evenly.

→ Is it necessary to include red onion in the mix?

Red onion adds a subtle sharpness, but it can be reduced or omitted if a milder taste is preferred without affecting the overall balance.

→ How long should the salad rest before serving?

Letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes allows the dressing to meld with the ingredients, deepening the overall flavor.

→ What vinegar works best for the dressing?

High-quality balsamic vinegar is recommended to provide a rich, tangy depth that complements the fresh vegetables and mozzarella.

Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad

Crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and red onion blended with a tangy balsamic dressing.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
~
Overall Time
15 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Sides & Snacks

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: Italian

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Good for Vegetarians, Gluten-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Marinade

01 30 ml olive oil
02 15 ml balsamic vinegar
03 1 tablespoon dried oregano
04 1 tablespoon dried basil
05 Pinch of salt
06 Pinch of black pepper

→ Salad

07 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced and diced
08 225 g cherry tomatoes, quartered
09 115 g fresh mozzarella, bite-sized pieces
10 Half a large red onion, finely chopped
11 Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly and set aside to blend flavors.

Step 02

Peel the cucumber, use a fork to scrape the skin creating a textured surface, then slice thinly and dice into small pieces. Transfer to a medium bowl.

Step 03

Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl. Thinly slice and dice the red onion, then add to the bowl. Omit onion if preferred.

Step 04

Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and combine with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion in the bowl, ensuring even distribution.

Step 05

Pour the marinade over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to marry before serving.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and fresh mozzarella for enhanced flavor. Adjust onion quantity or omit for milder taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves prior to serving.

Necessary Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife
  • Fork

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella cheese)

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 250
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Protein: 15 g