Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly easy salad? This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is your answer! Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese, this version swaps out some ingredients to bring you a vibrant dish perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or a simple side. Let’s dive into the crisp, fresh flavors of this simple yet satisfying salad!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

• Ready in Minutes: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes!
• Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available fresh produce.
• Light and Refreshing: Perfect for hot summer days.
• Visually Appealing: The colors of the cucumbers, tomatoes, and basil create a beautiful presentation.
• Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences.
• Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Guilt-Free Indulgence: A healthy and satisfying treat.

It is a new twist of the classic salad, with a refreshing flavour.

Ingredients Needed for Cucumber Caprese Salad

• Cucumbers: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 500g/2 cups). Select firm cucumbers for the best texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (approximately 300g/1.5 cups). Opt for ripe, bright red cherry tomatoes.
• Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Ciliegine): 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (225g). Look for high-quality mozzarella for creamy, delicious flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (about 15g). Source fresh basil from your local farmers’ market for the best aroma.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (45ml). A good quality olive oil is essential for flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml). Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best taste.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g).
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25g). Freshly ground pepper enhances the flavor.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Simple Italian Salad – A zesty twist for spice lovers.

Essential Equipment List

• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for safe slicing.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean and even slices.
• Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Use a small bowl for whisking the dressing.
• Whisk: A whisk is used to emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Measuring spoons ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

Recipe Details

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty: Easy

This **Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad** is incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals. Scale up for a bigger crowd, or halve for a solo treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers

Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the cucumbers. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving uniform slices quickly.

Combine Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them into a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced cucumber rounds to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Add Mozzarella Balls

Drain the fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine) and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Add the mozzarella balls to the mixing bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Incorporate Fresh Basil

Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Adding them whole can sometimes be overwhelming, so tearing them helps to distribute the flavor more evenly throughout the salad. Add the torn basil leaves to the salad mixture.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. This ensures that the dressing coats the salad ingredients evenly.

Dress and Marinate

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This short marinating time enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. It pairs perfectly with grilled dishes or as a simple, satisfying snack.

CHECK OUT: How to Make Cucumber Salad – A classic cucumber salad recipe.

Tips for Success

• Even Slicing: Consistent slicing of cucumbers ensures uniform texture and appearance.
• Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar elevates the flavor profile.
• Don’t Overdress: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy; add just enough to coat the ingredients.
• Freshness Matters: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the best taste.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad for a few minutes before serving enhances the refreshing qualities.

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Avocado: Incorporate diced avocado for a creamy texture.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a hint of heat.
• Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
• Sweetness: Drizzle a touch of honey or maple syrup into the dressing for a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: Pairs beautifully with grilled protein dishes.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful dressing.
• Lemonade or Sparkling Water: Complement the salad with a refreshing drink.
• Pasta Salad: Serve as a side to a light pasta salad for a complete meal.

Health Benefits

This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is packed with nutrients! Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Mozzarella offers calcium and protein, and basil contributes vitamins A and K. Olive oil is a source of healthy fats. This salad is a great way to enjoy a light, nutritious, and delicious meal!

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Not recommended for reheating; best served cold.
• Note: The salad may become slightly soggy over time due to the moisture content of the cucumbers and tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?

Pat the mozzarella balls dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad. Also, serve the salad shortly after dressing it to prevent the cucumbers and tomatoes from releasing too much moisture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It is best to prepare and serve this salad immediately. If you need to make it in advance, store the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes separately from the mozzarella and dressing, and combine everything just before serving.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor. If you must use dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon and add it to the dressing.

What other types of vinegar can I use?

White balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as substitutes for traditional balsamic vinegar.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or olives to customize the salad to your liking.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: Approximately 180
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 6g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for precise details.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more refreshing and easy salads? Check out these other delightful recipes:

• Chickpea Cucumber Feta Salad – A hearty and flavorful salad with plant-based protein.
• Watermelon Salad with Feta – A sweet and savory summer salad.
• Avocado Caprese Salad – Creamy and refreshing, a twist on the classic.

Conclusion

This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fast, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your delicious masterpiece! Share this recipe with others.

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