Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Introduction

This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad delivers classic Italian flavors with a crisp, refreshing twist. By adding fresh cucumber slices to the traditional mozzarella, tomato, and basil combination, this salad becomes extra crunchy, hydrating, and perfect for sunny days, cookouts, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Its vibrant colors and layers of flavor make it an irresistible crowd pleaser suitable for any occasion.

Deliciously Unique Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

What sets this salad apart is the way crunchy cucumber elevates the timeless Caprese medley. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella pair perfectly with crisp cucumber, while fragrant basil and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze tie it all together. Best of all, the salad comes together in under 15 minutes—making it an ideal choice for quick meal prep or spontaneous entertaining.

How to Prepare an Irresistible Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Begin by choosing ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and firm, unwaxed cucumbers. Slice the cucumber and halve the tomatoes for even, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using larger mozzarella balls, cut them into smaller chunks. For the basil, larger leaves can be left whole for a more dramatic look, or thinly sliced for a subtle infusion of flavor. A finishing touch of olive oil and balsamic glaze brings all the ingredients together.

Assembly of Your Salad

Lay the cucumber slices, mozzarella, and tomatoes in a shallow bowl or arrange them decoratively on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh basil, and drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top. Season lightly with salt and pepper. For a beautiful presentation, layer the ingredients in a repeating sequence or toss them gently if you prefer a more rustic look. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing textures at their peak.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

This salad shines as a light lunch on its own, or as a starter alongside grilled meats, seafood, or crusty bread. For added flair, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving. Pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for the ultimate summer refreshment.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe provides about 4 servings, each rich in vitamin C, healthy fats, and protein. Each serving is typically around 180 calories with balanced macros depending on mozzarella portion and drizzle amounts. It’s a wholesome, satisfying option that fits well into nearly any meal plan.

Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad (Recap)

Crisp, cool cucumber transforms a classic Caprese into a crunchy, hydrating salad that’s perfect for entertaining or enjoying every day. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil makes this dish an instant hit wherever it’s served.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section — perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Slice the cucumber into thin, uniform rounds and halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Cut the mozzarella balls in half, or into bite-sized pieces if using larger mozzarella.
2. Arrange the cucumber, tomato, and mozzarella pieces on a large platter or in a salad bowl, alternating ingredients for a decorative look, or toss gently for a casual presentation.
3. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the salad. For more flavor, tear larger basil leaves by hand or chiffonade them into thin strips.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. If desired, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.
6. Serve immediately as a fresh appetizer, side, or light meal.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad makes an ideal component for weekly meal prep — quick to assemble and made with easily stored ingredients. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals for the week and enjoy automatically generated shopping lists that combine all needed ingredients for your planned dishes.

Planning Benefits:

Automatically calculates total ingredients across recipes

Shopping lists grouped by grocery section for speedier trips

Avoids overbuying or missing key ingredients

Reduces stress and waste — especially handy for fresh herbs and produce

Pro tip: If you’re making multiple salads or side dishes in a week, schedule your recipes in advance so the shopping list accurately totals shared ingredients like basil or cucumbers—meaning you’ll only buy what you need!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes