Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad (Print View)
Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with fresh basil in tangy balsamic dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables & Herbs
01 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Cheese
04 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
→ Dressing
05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
07 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.
02 - Add the torn basil leaves and gently toss to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cucumbers add this incredible crunch that makes every bite feel refreshing instead of heavy
- You can throw it together in fifteen minutes flat but it tastes like something from a nice Italian restaurant
02 -
- Cucumbers release water as they sit, so toss this salad right before serving to keep it from getting watery
- Room temperature ingredients taste better here, so let the mozzarella sit out for about twenty minutes before making it
03 -
- Pat the mozzarella dry with paper towels before adding it to keep the salad from becoming watery
- If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, simmer it on low heat for about ten minutes until it thickens into a glaze