Growing up, I never thought I’d get excited about salad—until this cucumber caprese changed my mind. It’s my go-to summer dish when the garden is bursting with cucumbers and tomatoes. Refreshing, light, and full of flavor, it’s everything I want on a hot day when turning on the oven just isn’t happening.
I started making this recipe a few summers ago, and now it’s a staple at backyard get-togethers, weeknight dinners, and even lazy lunches on the porch. It takes just 10–15 minutes to pull together, and it uses ingredients I always have on hand during tomato season.
If you love the classic caprese combo—tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella—but want a twist, this salad is for you. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Super quick – Ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy nights or last-minute lunches.
- No cooking needed – Just chop, toss, and serve.
- Bright, fresh flavors – Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
- Minimal ingredients – Simple, seasonal, and budget-friendly.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep components in advance and toss right before serving.
Best Cucumbers to Use
For the best texture and flavor, go with English cucumbers—they have thin skins and barely any seeds. If you’re using regular cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds. Persian cucumbers are another great option; they’re crisp, sweet, and don’t need much prep.
Look for firm cucumbers without any soft spots or yellow patches.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
- Mozzarella: Use mini mozzarella balls (ciliegine), cubed fresh mozzarella, or even creamy burrata.
- Balsamic vinegar: Try white balsamic or red wine vinegar. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch—just use less.
- Red onion: Sweet onion, shallots, or even green onions work well here.
- Tomatoes: Cherry, grape, sun gold, or chopped garden tomatoes all shine in this dish.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is ideal. Use fresh oregano or even mint or parsley if you want to mix things up.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Watery salad: Salt your cucumbers and let them drain for 15–20 minutes before assembling the salad to reduce moisture.
- Wet mozzarella: Pat it dry with a paper towel before slicing to avoid a diluted dressing.
- Soggy texture: Don’t cut the veggies too far in advance, and always add the dressing just before serving.
- Overpowering vinegar: Taste and adjust the oil-to-vinegar ratio if needed. Some balsamic vinegars are stronger than others.
What to Serve With Cucumber Caprese
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Toasted baguette or sourdough
- Spaghetti aglio e olio or other light pasta
- Burgers, steak, or grilled sausages at a cookout
How to Store It
- Best enjoyed fresh: Serve right after mixing for the crunchiest texture.
- Short-term storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Expect some extra liquid at the bottom.
- Make-ahead tip: Chop veggies and store separately in the fridge. Mix the dressing ahead too, and assemble everything just before serving.
Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: ~550
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil (or 3 tbsp fresh)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
For the Salad:
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- Optional: fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
Instructions
- Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside while you prep the rest. - Prep the Cucumber
Peel and score the cucumber with a fork for texture, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Place in a mixing bowl. - Add Tomatoes & Onion
Quarter the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the onion. Add both to the bowl with the cucumber. - Add Mozzarella
Cube the mozzarella or use mini balls. Add to the salad bowl and toss gently to combine. - Dress & Marinate
Pour the marinade over the salad and mix until everything is well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak up the flavor. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Final Notes
This cucumber caprese salad is a summer must-make. Whether you’re feeding guests, bringing a dish to a picnic, or just craving something cool and refreshing, this recipe hits the spot every time.