Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes that’s perfect for those quick family dinners or even as a healthy side for your next BBQ. Say hello to the Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad—a dish so light, refreshing, and easy to make that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Best of all, it’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner ideas or even as a creamy garlic pasta side (yes, it pairs amazingly well with pasta too!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for quick family dinners or last-minute gatherings
- Light and refreshing, making it ideal for hot summer days or as a healthy side for BBQs
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to a day, making it a great make-ahead option
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into how to make this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s so easy, you’ll be making it over and over again!
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Cut the fresh mozzarella into small cubes and add them to the bowl. Gently toss again to distribute the mozzarella evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to make your Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad even better:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and fresh herbs make a big difference in the flavor. If you have access to fresh basil, feel free to chop some up and add it in for an extra burst of flavor!
- Let it sit: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for a few minutes lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add some crunch: If you want a bit of crunch, you can add some crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts to the salad.
- Make it your own: Feel free to customize the salad to your taste. Add some grilled chicken for extra protein or some avocado for creaminess.
How to Serve
This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways you can serve it:
- As a light lunch on its own
- As a side dish for your next BBQ or cookout
- As a healthy side for your 30-minute meals
- As a topping for grilled meats or fish
It’s also a great addition to your Best Corn Salad Recipe for a well-rounded meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare it as instructed, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for bringing to a potluck.
When you’re ready to serve, just give it a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add a bit more olive oil or balsamic vinegar if the salad seems a bit dry after sitting.
And there you have it, folks! A delicious, easy, and refreshing Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a healthy side for your next BBQ, or just a light and tasty meal, this salad checks all the boxes. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Check out my How to Make Garlic Herb Roasted Veggies in 30 Minutes and How to Make Perfect Roasted Asparagus and Carrots for more tasty ideas!
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 cucumber cucumber peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 0.5 large red onion chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Peel and slice the cucumber thinly, then dice into small pieces.
- Chop the red onion into small, uniform pieces.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters.
- Slice the fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.