Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Cucumber Caprese Magic (Seriously, You’ll Want This!)
Ever find yourself staring at a boring salad, wondering where the flavor went? Yeah, me too. But OMG, this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a total game-changer! Like, I never knew salad could actually make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s super fresh, SO colorful, and honestly, it kinda feels like summer in a bowl.
Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients
Alright, so picture this: I’m at the grocery store, dodging people and trying not to trip over stray carts. I grab some *really* fresh cucumbers (you want them crisp, trust me), cherry tomatoes (they’re like little flavor bombs), and fresh mozzarella (because duh, it’s caprese).
Here’s what you need:
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons—extra virgin if you can)
– Balsamic vinegar (just a tablespoon, but it’s like the magic potion)
– Dried oregano (1 tablespoon)
– Dried basil (also 1 tablespoon—yeah, we’re going herb-heavy)
– Salt and pepper (just a pinch of each)
– 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored (more on that later), and thinly sliced then diced
– 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (they’re juicy little gems)
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella (I like the balls, but hey, do you)
– ½ large red onion, chopped small (totally optional but adds a nice bite)
Super simple, right? You can totally riff on this if you wanna!
So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly
Okay, story time! So last summer, it was a *billion* degrees (okay, maybe just 90), and my friend threw a BBQ. I was in charge of bringing something fresh. I basically panicked and threw this salad together. Like, I was sweating bullets, chopping and tossing. But when everyone took a bite? It was like *magic* happened. The crunch of the cucumber, the sweetness of the tomatoes, and that creamy mozzarella…it was a hit!
I swear, I made it like three more times that summer. Now it’s officially my “I’m too hot to cook” recipe. 🙌
The One Trick That Changes Everything
Listen up: fork-scoring the cucumber is where it’s at. What’s that? Well, you take your fork and just drag it down the sides of the cucumber, creating little grooves. It helps the dressing cling like a puppy on a hot day. Seriously, don’t skip this part, or your salad will be all sad and soggy.
Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)
1. Don’t skimp on the fresh mozzarella—it’s the star here! Use the good stuff; it makes a difference.
2. Taste as you go! I’m all about the seasoning, so if it’s missing something, add a pinch more salt or vinegar until it sings.
3. Cut everything evenly. I know, boring tip, but a nice bite-size piece makes it all come together. Nobody wants a massive chunk of onion, right?
How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)
Honestly? This salad doesn’t last long in my house. But if you want to save some (good luck with that), just store it in an airtight container. The cucumbers will get a little soggy after a day, so eat it within 24 hours. You could always prep the ingredients and toss them together right before serving if you’re looking for leftovers!
If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too
Okay, if you’re into this fresh vibe, you’ll probably love my Watermelon Feta Salad (seriously, it’s a summer staple) or Pasta Primavera—it’s like a veggie explosion! And don’t even get me started on my Zucchini Noodles with Pesto… perfection!
So, what’s your go-to salad for summer? I’m always looking for new ideas! 🥗✨
Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad
Discover the refreshing taste of summer with this vibrant Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad. A delightful twist on the classic caprese, this salad combines crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty dressing, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues or a light lunch. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that showcases the best of seasonal produce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- ½ large red onion, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cubes, and chopped red onion to the bowl.
- Toss gently to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes to enhance flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 156
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
