Thank you so much for being here — truly! If you’re craving something light, fresh, and impossibly easy to throw together, you’re going to love this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad. It’s a crisp, hydrating twist on the classic Italian favorite, and it’s become a summer go-to in my kitchen. Bonus? You can whip it up in just 10 minutes!
Right after the first bite, I knew this one was a keeper — cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all come together in a refreshing salad that’s anything but boring!! Drizzled with a simple balsamic glaze or vinaigrette, it’s the kind of dish that belongs at every backyard BBQ, weeknight dinner, and picnic basket.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Let’s take a quick look at what makes this simple salad so special — and why you’re about to make it on repeat.
What Is a Cucumber Caprese Salad?
This is a riff on the classic Caprese salad from Italy (tomato + mozzarella + basil), but with the welcome addition of cucumber for extra crunch and hydration. The flavors stay true to the original but feel brighter, cooler, and more picnic-friendly.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
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No cooking required — just chop, toss, and serve!
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Light yet satisfying, with the perfect balance of creamy, crisp, and juicy.
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Great for make-ahead (yes, it actually gets better after marinating a bit).
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Naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian — easy to adapt for everyone.
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Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick side dish any day of the week.
What Does Cucumber Caprese Salad Taste Like?
It’s bright and garden-fresh, with every bite offering something different — cool cucumber, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, and that unmistakable punch of fresh basil. A tangy vinaigrette or sweet balsamic drizzle ties it all together. It’s clean, crisp, and tastes like summer in a bowl!
Health Benefits of This Salad
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Hydrating thanks to water-rich cucumbers and tomatoes.
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High in antioxidants, especially from basil and tomatoes.
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A good source of protein from fresh mozzarella.
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Low in calories and naturally low-carb for those watching sugar intake.
Ingredients for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
Here’s everything you’ll need for the salad:
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced (or 2–3 Persian cucumbers)
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1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or julienned
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic glaze or vinegar (adjust to taste)
Tools You’ll Need
No fancy equipment here! You’ll just need:
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A sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Mixing bowl
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Salad servers or tongs
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Measuring spoons (optional — but I usually just eyeball this one!)
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
Make it your own — here are a few ways to mix it up:
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No mozzarella balls? Dice up a block of fresh mozzarella or use burrata for a creamy upgrade.
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Vegan option: Use dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese or marinated tofu cubes.
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Add avocado for extra creaminess.
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Use heirloom tomatoes if in season — so flavorful and gorgeous!
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Try lemon juice instead of balsamic for a brighter, citrusy take.
How to Make Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
This salad truly couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Thinly slice your cucumber (I like to leave the skin on for crunch!). Tear or julienne your basil leaves.
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything until evenly coated. Serve immediately, or chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It just gets better!
What to Serve with Cucumber Caprese Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with just about everything. Here are some favorites:
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Grilled meats or fish — chicken, steak, or salmon all love this bright side dish.
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Pasta dishes — especially light lemon pastas or pesto-based recipes.
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Crusty bread or focaccia — to soak up all the delicious dressing!
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Picnic fare — sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.
It also makes a beautiful starter salad for any Italian-themed dinner.
Tips for the Best Caprese Salad with Cucumber
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🥒 1. Use English or Persian Cucumbers
These varieties are crisp, sweet, and have thin, edible skin — no peeling needed! They also have fewer seeds and less water content than standard slicing cucumbers, which keeps the salad from becoming soggy.
🍅 2. Choose Sweet, Ripe Tomatoes
This salad is only as good as its ingredients, so go for cherry or grape tomatoes that are juicy and flavorful. If you can get heirloom cherry tomatoes, even better — the colors and flavors are stunning!
🌿 3. Use Fresh Basil (Torn, Not Chopped!)
Tearing basil helps preserve its essential oils and prevents it from bruising or turning dark. Fresh basil is key to that signature Caprese flavor, so don’t skimp!
🧀 4. Go for Fresh Mozzarella Balls
Mozzarella ciliegine or bocconcini work beautifully here. They’re mild, creamy, and the perfect size to match the tomatoes and cucumber slices. If using a mozzarella log, cube it into bite-sized pieces for balance.
🧂 5. Don’t Forget the Salt
A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes and enhances all the fresh flavors. A little cracked black pepper adds a nice kick, too!
🫒 6. Use a Good Quality Olive Oil
Since you’re not cooking anything, the flavor of your olive oil really shines. A peppery or fruity extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth with just a drizzle.
🥄 7. Balsamic Glaze vs. Vinegar — Know the Difference
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Balsamic glaze is thick, sweet, and syrupy — perfect for drizzling on top.
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Balsamic vinegar is tangier and more acidic — better when whisked into a quick vinaigrette.
Both work beautifully, but glaze gives a more elevated finish. Just use sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
❄️ 8. Chill Before Serving (But Not Too Long!)
Let the salad rest for 15–30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors mingle — especially if you’ve added dressing ahead of time. But don’t chill it for hours and hours, or the basil may wilt and the cucumbers can lose their crunch.
🍋 9. Brighten It Up with a Touch of Citrus
Not traditional, but a tiny splash of lemon juice can make the whole salad taste even fresher — especially if your tomatoes are super sweet.
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Storage Instructions
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🕒 How Long Does It Last?
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In the refrigerator: Up to 2 days
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Best enjoyed within: 24 hours for peak flavor and texture
🥗 How to Store
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Use an airtight container to prevent the salad from absorbing other fridge odors.
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Keep the basil and dressing separate if you’re making this ahead. Add them just before serving to keep the basil vibrant and prevent the salad from becoming watery.
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Store away from direct air circulation in your fridge (like the front or near vents) to keep the mozzarella and veggies from drying out.
🌿 Freshness Tips
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If the salad has released a little water after chilling, just give it a gentle toss before serving — the flavors will still be there!
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To refresh it the next day, add a little more olive oil, a fresh pinch of salt, and a few torn basil leaves. It perks right back up!
Pro Tip: If you’re packing this for a picnic or lunchbox, layer the ingredients in a jar or container (cucumbers and tomatoes on the bottom, cheese in the middle, basil on top). Add dressing just before eating to keep everything crisp!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but peel them first and remove the seeds to avoid extra bitterness and wateriness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — just wait to add the basil and balsamic glaze until just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
It can be! Store the base (cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella) separately from the dressing and basil, then combine right before eating.
What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and glaze?
Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter — more like a drizzle. Balsamic vinegar is thinner and more acidic. Both work well; just use a little less glaze.
Conclusion
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is everything I love about summer food: fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re pulling this together for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner party, it always delivers that wow factor with almost no effort. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste this good!
💚 Love this kind of no-fuss recipe? Check out my Peach Arugula Salad, Watermelon Feta Bites, or Tomato Basil Pasta Salad for more refreshing warm-weather favorites.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Tried this salad? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review below and don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on Pinterest — tag me so I can see your creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 170
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Protein: 7g
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Fat: 13g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Sugar: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is crisp, refreshing, and ready in 10 minutes — a light twist on a classic Italian favorite with cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced (or 2–3 Persian cucumbers)
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or julienned
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or vinegar (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the cucumber. Tear or julienne the basil leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Notes
For best flavor, use sweet ripe tomatoes and thin-skinned cucumbers like English or Persian. Add basil just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: caprese, cucumber, salad, summer, fresh, vegetarian, mozzarella