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.
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.