Name: Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
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, fork-scored, thinly sliced, and diced; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered; 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces or pearl-sized balls; ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces; Optional: fresh basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 4 reviews

Let me tell you, this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is an absolute game-changer during those warm, sunny days when you want something light yet bursting with flavor. I first stumbled upon this combination on a summer afternoon, and it instantly reminded me of the classic Italian Caprese salad—with a fresh, crunchy twist that cucumber adds so beautifully. It’s crisp, creamy, tangy, and herbaceous all at once, making it perfect as a refreshing side or a quick lunch.

What’s really wonderful is how simple and fast it comes together. Even if you’re not the most seasoned cook, you’ll enjoy the balance of juicy cherry tomatoes, silky mozzarella, and that herby balsamic marinade that ties everything together with a little zing. Trust me, once you try this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe, it’ll become a go-to whenever you want to impress without hours in the kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The cucumber’s cool crispness pairs perfectly with the fresh mozzarella and sweet tomatoes, all brought to life by the tangy balsamic marinade.
Quick and Easy: It’s a no-fuss salad that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Versatile Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry and fridge staples on hand, making it simple to whip up anytime.
Fresh & Healthy: Boasting fresh veggies and herbs with healthy fats from olive oil, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with a fresh salad. The bottom layer is thinly sliced green cucumber rounds, evenly spread across the plate. On top of this are halved bright red cherry tomatoes scattered around. Small white mozzarella balls sit randomly among the vegetables. Thin slices of purple-red onion are layered lightly throughout. Fresh green basil leaves are sprinkled on top, adding color. The salad is lightly seasoned with black pepper and some herbs. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white striped cloth on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe combines fresh, vibrant ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, aim for the freshest mozzarella and ripe tomatoes to make your salad pop.

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that rich, peppery touch that brings the marinade together.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy depth that contrasts perfectly with the fresh veggies and cheese.
Dried oregano: Offers a hint of earthiness and herbal punch without overpowering the other flavors.
Dried basil: Provides a classic Italian note that pairs naturally with mozzarella and tomatoes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for elevating the taste and balancing the flavors.
Cucumber: Peel and fork-score for texture before slicing; its cool crunch is the salad’s star twist.
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and colorful—quartering them lets their juices mingle with the dressing.
Fresh mozzarella: Choose soft mozzarella balls or fresh blocks sliced into bite-sized pieces for creamy richness.
Red onion: Adds a subtle bite and crunch, chopped finely to keep the balance harmonious.
Fresh basil leaves (optional): A fresh garnish that enhances the herbal profile and brightens the dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. I often add a little extra fresh basil or swap red onion for shallots if I’m looking for something milder.

Variation: Sometimes, I toss in some sliced avocado for extra creaminess, which makes the salad feel a bit more indulgent without losing its freshness.
Dietary swaps: For a vegan version, try replacing mozzarella with plant-based cheese or marinated tofu cubes.
Spice it up: Grated lemon zest or a pinch of chili flakes stirred into the marinade adds a bright and spicy kick that’s delightful on warmer days.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Let this sit while you prep the vegetables so the flavors can meld perfectly. I usually make this first to give myself a little head start.

Step 2: Peel and Dice the Cucumber

After washing the cucumber, peel it and then use a fork to score the skin by scraping up and down a few times—this adds texture and helps the dressing cling better. Slice the cucumber thinly, then dice the slices into small pieces. This method really makes the cucumber crisp and well-integrated with the rest of the salad.

Step 3: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Red Onion

Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to your bowl with the cucumber. Then thinly slice and chop the red onion into small pieces. If you’re sensitive to onion’s pungency, soaking the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow the flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Fresh Mozzarella

Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, or toss in fresh mozzarella pearls if you have them. Add this creamy goodness to the bowl. The contrast between the mozzarella’s softness and the crisp vegetables is one of my favorite parts about this salad.

Step 5: Toss with Marinade & Rest

Pour the marinade over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving to let those flavors marry beautifully. You’ll notice how each bite becomes more and more delicious as it sits!

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Pro Tips for Making Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

Peeling Technique: Using a fork to score the cucumber before slicing creates a beautiful texture that helps absorb the marinade.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your mozzarella and veggies come to room temp before serving for the best flavor experience.
Marinate Briefly: Don’t rush—letting the salad sit for 10 minutes really brings out the aromatic herbs and balances the dressing.
Avoid Oversalting: The mozzarella is slightly salty on its own, so always taste before adding more salt to prevent overpowering the salad.

How to Serve Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad that has three main layers: the first layer includes thick round slices of green zucchini scattered throughout, the second layer shows red cherry tomato halves and thin purple onion rings sitting on top, and the third layer features white mozzarella balls and torn green basil leaves spread evenly. The salad is sprinkled with black pepper and small olive oil drops visible on the vegetables. Behind the bowl is a small white bowl of dark dressing with a spoon, all set on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth near the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing this salad with torn fresh basil leaves—fresh herbs are the final touch that elevates this simple salad into something special. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crunchy toasted pine nuts add a nice contrast in texture and richness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or even alongside your favorite pasta dishes. For a light summer dinner, I often serve it with roasted salmon or a simple quinoa pilaf. It’s versatile enough to complement a variety of meals!

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like to serve this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with the veggies and cheese, then topped with basil and dressing. It makes a lovely presentation and keeps the salad fresh until you’re ready to eat. Also, serving it on a large white platter with fresh basil scattered on top is visually striking and perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping the dressing separate if you plan to store it, because cucumber releases water and the salad can get soggy. Toss everything together fresh before serving again.

Freezing

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well because fresh cucumber and mozzarella change texture when thawed. I’d suggest enjoying it fresh for the best flavor and crunch.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you want to bring it to room temp, simply remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let those flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers or do I need a special type for this recipe?

You can absolutely use regular cucumbers, but I recommend English cucumbers when possible—they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which means a more tender texture. Just peel and score them as described for best results.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but I suggest prepping the vegetables and marinade separately and only assembling just before serving. The cucumber tends to release water, which can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy if mixed too early.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to include it in meal prep, store the dressing and salad ingredients separately in containers, then combine at mealtime. This keeps everything crisp and flavorful.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?

If you’re out of fresh mozzarella, you can try burrata for an even creamier option, or use a good quality mild feta for a tangier flavor. Just keep in mind that feta is saltier and crumbly which will change the texture a bit.
How long does this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe stay fresh?

Store it in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. The cucumbers and tomatoes lose their crunch over time, so enjoying it fresh is key.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, easy, and delicious salad that feels light but packs so much flavor, this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe is calling your name. It’s become a favorite in my kitchen, especially on hot days where I want something nourishing without turning on the oven. Give it a try—you might just find this vibrant combo becoming one of your staples, too!