Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is everything you want in a summer salad: fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. The marinated cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella come together beautifully, with the basil and oregano adding a Mediterranean touch. It’s a salad that can be made in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a refreshing side dish for a BBQ. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to customize based on your preferences!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon dried basil

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of pepper

For the Salad:

• 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, and diced

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (either sliced or in pearl-sized balls)

• ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces

• Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the salad.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese:

   • Peel the cucumber and use a fork to scrape along the skin to create a textured surface (this helps the cucumber absorb the marinade). Slice the cucumber thinly and then dice it into small pieces.

   • Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumbers.

   • Chop the red onion into small pieces and add it to the bowl. If you prefer not to use onion, you can skip this step.

   • Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls if you have them available. Add them to the bowl with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.

3. Toss the Salad:
   Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella in the bowl. Mix everything well, ensuring the marinade coats all the ingredients evenly.

4. Let the Salad Sit:
   Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop and merge beautifully.

5. Serve:
   If desired, garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful salad!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.

• Different Herbs: If you don’t have basil or oregano, feel free to use other herbs like thyme or parsley to add a different flavor profile.

• Cheese Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute mozzarella with goat cheese or feta for a different texture and flavor.

• More Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, olives, or avocado for additional freshness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If storing leftovers, the cucumbers may release some moisture over time, so be sure to give it a quick toss before serving again.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

2. Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?

Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or finely chop a fresh chili pepper and toss it in with the vegetables.

4. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, to make this salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

5. How can I make this salad more filling?

For a more filling meal, you can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or a grain like quinoa to make it more substantial.

6. Can I substitute the fresh mozzarella with another cheese?

Yes, you can substitute fresh mozzarella with goat cheese, feta, or even burrata for a different texture and flavor.

7. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted eggplant for more flavor and texture.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

9. Can I serve this salad warm?

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.

10. How long will this salad last in the fridge?

This salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers may become slightly softer the longer it sits.

Conclusion

This Fresh Cucumber Caprese Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors. With the creamy mozzarella, crisp cucumbers, tangy balsamic marinade, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect addition to any meal or an excellent standalone dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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