Description
A fresh and vibrant cucumber caprese salad featuring crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a flavorful herb marinade. This easy no-cook salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch pepper
Salad
- 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, then diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or pearl-sized
- ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
- Optional: fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Peel the washed cucumber, then use a fork to score the skin up and down a few times to create a textured surface. Thinly slice the cucumber, then dice the slices into small pieces. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the Tomatoes and Onion: Quarter the washed cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumber. Thinly slice and dice the red onion, then add it to the bowl as well. Omitting the onion is optional if preferred.
- Add the Mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or use pearl-sized mozzarella balls. Add the mozzarella to the bowl, distributing all ingredients evenly.
- Combine with Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat all components with the marinade.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving, so the flavors develop and meld together beautifully for a fresh and tasty salad.
Notes
- Use pearl mozzarella balls for a more authentic caprese experience and easier mixing.
- To make it vegan, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or tofu.
- Fresh basil leaves can be added for extra aroma and freshness.
- For a crisper salad, prepare just before serving or chill the ingredients ahead of time.
- If you dislike red onion sharpness, rinse the diced onion in cold water before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
