Refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad: The Classic, Perfected

Just when you thought the classic Caprese salad couldn’t get any better, along comes this brilliant, refreshing twist. By adding cool, crunchy cucumber and a zesty bite of red onion, this recipe elevates the beloved combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella into the ultimate summer salad. Tossed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic marinade, this Cucumber Caprese Salad is light, satisfying, and bursting with texture. It’s the perfect no-cook side dish for a hot day and a fantastic new way to enjoy your favorite flavors.

Why This Twist on Caprese is a Must-Try

Prepare to fall in love with Caprese all over again. Here’s why this version is so special:

• A Cool, Refreshing Crunch: The addition of diced cucumber provides a delightful and satisfying crispness that perfectly complements the soft mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
• Zesty and Flavorful: A simple marinade and a hint of red onion add a vibrant, zesty dimension that makes the flavors pop.
• Incredibly Quick & Easy: This is a simple, no-cook salad that you can whip up in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute lunches or easy dinner sides.
• Beautiful and Colorful: It’s a feast for the eyes! The combination of red, green, and white makes for a stunning presentation on any table.

Your Fresh Ingredient Lineup

This recipe is broken down into the salad components and the simple marinade that brings it all together.

For the Salad:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (bocconcini or a fresh log)
• ½ large red onion
• Optional: A handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Zesty Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Caprese

Making this refreshing salad is as easy as chop, mix, and marinate!

Part 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well combined. Set it aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Part 2: Prep the Vegetables & Cheese

1. The Cucumber Trick: Peel your cucumber. Then, run the tines of a fork down the length of the cucumber on all sides. This “scores” the surface, creating little ridges that will hold on to the delicious marinade.
2. Dice the Veggies: Thinly slice the scored cucumber and then dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Quarter the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice and dice the red onion. Place all the chopped vegetables into a medium-sized serving bowl.
3. Prep the Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to your diced vegetables. Add the mozzarella to the bowl.

Part 3: Combine, Dress, and Marinate

1. Dress the Salad: Pour your prepared balsamic marinade over the vegetable and cheese mixture in the bowl.
2. Mix Gently: Gently stir everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Let it Marinate: For the best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
4. Garnish and Serve: If you’re using fresh basil, tear the leaves and scatter them over the top just before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber Caprese

• Why Score the Cucumber? Running a fork down the peeled cucumber creates texture and more surface area, allowing the marinade to cling to every bite for maximum flavor.
• Use Quality Fresh Mozzarella: Look for fresh mozzarella packed in water (often sold as “bocconcini” balls or in a log shape). It has a much softer, creamier texture than the block-style mozzarella used for pizza.
• Let it Rest: Don’t skip the 10-minute marinating time! It makes a huge difference in how flavorful the final salad is.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad is the perfect light lunch on its own, but it also shines as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.

Refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad

A vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, this version includes crunchy cucumber and zesty red onion tossed in a balsamic-herb marinade. It’s cool, refreshing, and perfect for summer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side

Cuisine Italian, No-Cook, Summer, Vegetarian

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

For the Salad

• 1 large cucumber peeled and scored
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes quartered
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella bocconcini or log, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 red onion thinly sliced and diced
• fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish

For the Zesty Marinade

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 pinch salt to taste
• 1 pinch black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
• Peel and score the cucumber with a fork, then slice and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
• Quarter the cherry tomatoes and dice the red onion.
• Cut the mozzarella into small pieces similar in size to the vegetables.
• In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and mozzarella.
• Pour the marinade over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are coated.
• Let the salad marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Garnish with fresh basil just before serving, if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Scoring the cucumber helps the marinade cling better. Use the freshest mozzarella you can find for the best texture and flavor. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.