Hey there, fellow home cooks! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite quick and easy recipes with you today. It’s a bright, beautiful Cucumber Caprese Salad that just screams summer, though honestly, I make it year-round. There’s something truly magical about how simple ingredients come together to create something so utterly refreshing.

Here at 911Recipes, founded by Clara Kohn and brought to life with the help of Savana Loyal, our whole goal is to make cooking doable, even when life feels hectic. I know firsthand how much of a lifesaver a recipe like this Cucumber Caprese Salad can be after a long day.

It takes almost no time to throw together, needs zero cooking, and tastes like pure sunshine. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Caprese Salad

Okay, let me tell you why this simple salad has a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. It’s more than just tasty; it’s incredibly practical for real life!

It’s lightning fast. Seriously, you can have this ready in about 10 minutes.
No heat required! Perfect for hot days or when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
The ingredients are super fresh and easy to find.
It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. This Cucumber Caprese Salad is proof that simple is often best.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cucumber Caprese Salad

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful salad. Everything here is pretty standard, which is another reason I love it so much. You won’t need to hunt for anything fancy!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Two cucumbers, sliced into nice rounds.
One pint of sweet cherry tomatoes, halved.
Eight ounces of fresh mozzarella balls. I usually halve or quarter these depending on their size.
A quarter cup of fresh basil leaves, torn gently.
Two tablespoons of good quality olive oil.
One tablespoon of balsamic glaze.
Salt and black pepper to taste.

See? Simple, fresh things that come together beautifully for your Cucumber Caprese Salad.

Simple Steps to Prepare Your Cucumber Caprese Salad

Making this salad is almost embarrassingly easy, and that’s why I adore it. You really can’t mess it up! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious salad ready in no time.

First, grab a big bowl. You want one with enough room to toss everything without it spilling over the sides.

Now, gently add your sliced cucumbers, the halved cherry tomatoes, and those lovely fresh mozzarella balls to the bowl. Don’t forget to toss in the torn basil leaves too. The smell of fresh basil is just heavenly!

Next, it’s time for the dressing. Drizzle the two tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the ingredients. Then, add the tablespoon of balsamic glaze. That sweet and tangy balsamic really brings everything together.

With a light touch, gently toss everything in the bowl. You want to coat all the veggies and cheese with the dressing without mushing anything. I usually use two large spoons for this.

Finally, season your Cucumber Caprese Salad with salt and black pepper. Start with a little, then taste and add more if needed. Everyone likes their seasoning just right!

And that’s it! Your beautiful, fresh salad is ready to enjoy immediately.

Optional Enhancements for Your Cucumber Caprese Salad

While this Cucumber Caprese Salad is absolutely perfect as is, sometimes I like to play around with a few little tweaks. These aren’t necessary, but they can add an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.

One thing I sometimes do is marinate the fresh mozzarella balls. Just pop them in a small bowl with a tiny bit of olive oil and balsamic glaze for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. It infuses them with even more deliciousness.

If you like a little kick, a small sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the finished salad can be really nice. It adds just a touch of warmth that plays well with the cool ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Caprese Salad

I get asked a few things about this easy salad, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned! Making a great Cucumber Caprese Salad is pretty flexible, but a few tips can help.

Can I Substitute Ingredients in My Cucumber Caprese Salad?

Absolutely! Cooking is all about making things your own. If you don’t have fresh mozzarella balls, a block of fresh mozzarella diced up works perfectly fine. For tomatoes, you could use larger varieties cut into chunks if cherry tomatoes aren’t available. And if you’re out of standard cucumbers, English cucumbers are a great swap. It’s hard to go wrong with the classic Caprese flavors!

How Long Does Cucumber Caprese Salad Last in the Fridge?

This salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh because the cucumbers can release a lot of water over time. I find it’s usually good for about 1-2 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. The texture might change a little after the first day, but the flavors are still delicious. It’s just not ideal for making several days in advance.

Estimated Nutritional Information

It’s always helpful to have an idea of what’s in your food, right? Based on the typical ingredients used in this recipe, here’s an estimated look at the nutrition per serving for our Cucumber Caprese Salad.

Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary a bit depending on the specific brands and sizes of ingredients you use. But this gives you a good ballpark!

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: Around 200
Sugar: About 5g
Sodium: Roughly 150mg
Fat: Approximately 15g
Saturated Fat: About 5g
Unsaturated Fat: Around 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: About 8g
Fiber: Around 2g
Protein: Approximately 10g
Cholesterol: Around 25mg

It’s a pretty balanced option, offering good fats and protein along with those fresh veggies!

Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Caprese Salad

This Cucumber Caprese Salad is fantastic on its own, but it also makes a wonderful side dish. I love serving it alongside simple grilled chicken or fish. A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the yummy dressing at the bottom of the bowl. It’s a versatile salad that pairs well with so many things!

Enjoy Your Delicious Creation

Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for a super simple, incredibly refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad. I really hope you give it a try in your own kitchen. It’s such a bright spot on any table.

If you make it, please let me know how it turns out! You can share your experience in the comments below. I always love hearing from you and seeing how you enjoy these easy meals!