Cool & Crisp Cucumber Caprese Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 8 oz mozzarella balls - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper When making cucumber Caprese salad, fresh ingredients are key. Start with two large cucumbers. They should be firm and crisp. Slice them thinly for the best texture. Next, grab one cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them to release their juicy flavor. You will also need eight ounces of mozzarella balls. These should be fresh and creamy. Halve them for easy bites. Don’t forget about the basil! Use a quarter cup of fresh basil leaves. Tear them gently to release their aroma. For dressing, use two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This adds richness to the salad. Add one tablespoon of balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. These little details make a big difference in flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Thinly slice cucumbers. Use a sharp knife for best results. Aim for even rounds. - Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Make sure they fit neatly without overlapping. - Combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves in a mixing bowl. - Add two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to mix. - Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture onto each cucumber slice. Distribute evenly for a great look. - Drizzle balsamic glaze over the entire salad. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well. Enjoy the bright, fresh taste of this salad right away or let it chill for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. To make your salad look great, slice the cucumbers evenly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Aim for thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. This helps each bite feel light and fresh. If you want perfect slices, a mandoline is your best friend. It gives you even cuts quickly. Let your salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors mix well. The olive oil coats every piece, while the salt pulls out moisture. Balancing the ingredients is key. Use enough salt and pepper to bring out the taste of each item. The sweet balsamic glaze adds a nice touch that ties everything together. Pro Tips Use Chilled Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, chill your cucumbers and mozzarella balls in the refrigerator before assembling the dish. Experiment with Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, try using feta or burrata for a unique flavor twist. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried herbs won't provide the same aromatic punch. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to add minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice to the olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily switch out the cheese in this salad. Try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist. Both add a new flavor that complements the cucumbers and tomatoes. Adding avocados brings creaminess. They enhance the texture and taste of the salad. You can also toss in bell peppers for a crunch. Their sweetness pairs well with the fresh salad base. If you want a different taste, swap the balsamic glaze for a vinaigrette. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs works great. You can also use herb-infused oils for added flavor. These oils bring a savory note that enhances the salad's freshness. Experiment with lemon-infused or garlic-infused oils for a fun twist! To keep your Cucumber Caprese Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. I recommend using an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. Spread a paper towel inside the container to soak up any extra moisture. This keeps the salad crisp and tasty. You can keep this salad for up to two days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers become soggy. Look for signs of spoilage like a strong smell or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss the salad. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste! You can store Cucumber Caprese Salad in the fridge for about two days. After that, the cucumbers may get soggy. To keep it fresh, use an airtight container. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Just slice the cucumbers and prepare the tomato mixture. Keep them in separate containers. When ready to serve, simply assemble them together. This keeps everything crisp and fresh. If you need a substitute for mozzarella, try feta cheese or goat cheese. They add a nice tangy flavor. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer a plant-based option. This blog covers how to make a fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. We learned the best ingredients, step-by-step prep, and useful tips. You can easily customize this salad with your favorite flavors. Remember, fresh ingredients and proper storage keep it delicious. Enjoy making this healthy dish, and share your twist on it with others!$

Cool & Crisp Cucumber Caprese Salad

A refreshing salad combining cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by preparing your cucumbers. Thinly slice them into rounds and arrange them in a single layer on a serving platter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and torn basil leaves.
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the cheese and tomatoes are coated.
Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture on top of the cucumber slices, ensuring even distribution over all the slices.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire salad for a sweet and tangy finish.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors or chill for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor or chill for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.

Keyword caprese, cucumber, fresh, healthy, salad