Name: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad: Delicious in 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, sliced; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze; Salt and pepper to taste

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Okay, friends, let’s talk about the *Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad*! Seriously, this is summer in a bowl. It’s so quick and refreshing, it’s become my go-to when I need something light but flavorful. You know how much I love a classic Caprese, but sometimes you just want something a little different, right? Well, swapping the tomatoes for cool, crisp cucumber? Total game-changer!

Why You'll Love This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Listen, I’m all about easy recipes, and this one? It ticks *all* the boxes. You’re gonna love it because:

Quick and Easy to Make

Seriously, we’re talking like, 15 minutes, tops! No cooking required. Just chop, arrange, and drizzle. Can’t beat that!

Refreshing and Flavorful

The cool cucumber, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil? Wow! It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, trust me.

A Healthy Vegetarian Option

Need a light lunch or side dish? This is it. It’s packed with fresh veggies and protein, and it’s totally vegetarian-friendly. Win-win!

Perfect for Summer

Hot weather got you down? This salad is the *perfect* way to cool off. Take it to a BBQ or enjoy it on your patio. Summer vibes, guaranteed!

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Ingredients for Your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll want: 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (I like to use a mandoline, but careful!), 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved – the little ones are perfect, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved – adds a pop of sweetness, ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped – gotta be fresh, it makes all the difference. And don’t forget 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (the thick kind!), and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Got it all? Let’s go!

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How to Prepare the Perfect Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Okay, so here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a gorgeous Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad in no time. I promise, even *you* can’t mess this up! Hehe. Seriously though, pay attention, especially to the chilling part – it makes a difference!

Step 1: Arrange the Cucumber

Arrange those cucumber slices attractively on a serving platter or individual plates. Think pretty! Make it look like you care, even if you don’t, haha!

Step 2: Add the Mozzarella and Tomatoes

Top the cucumber with those yummy mozzarella balls and cherry tomato halves, distributing them evenly. We want a good mix in every bite, ya know?

Step 3: Sprinkle with Basil

Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the salad. Don’t be shy! Basil is what makes it Caprese-y, right? I love the smell of fresh basil!

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze

Drizzle that gorgeous olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the salad. Ooh, this is my favorite part! It just *looks* so good!

Step 5: Season to Taste

Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Don’t forget this step! It really brings out all the flavors, trust me!

Step 6: Serve or Chill

Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for later. But here’s a tip: if you’re chilling it, add the balsamic glaze *just* before serving to prevent sogginess. Nobody likes a soggy salad!

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Tips for Making the Best Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Okay, so now for my pro tips! These are the little things that take this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad from “meh” to “OMG!” First, use the *good* olive oil and balsamic glaze. Seriously, it makes a difference. Also, chilling the cucumber for a bit beforehand? Amazing! It gets extra-crisp. And if you’re feeling a little spicy, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. Wow! Just a tiny bit though, careful! Oh, and don’t be afraid to play around with the amounts of everything. More basil? Go for it! Less mozzarella? Sure thing! It’s *your* salad, make it how *you* like it!

Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad Variations

Alright, so you’ve got the basic Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad down, right? Now let’s get a little crazy! I love this part ’cause you can really make it your own. How about adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a bit of chewy sweetness? Yum! Or maybe some creamy avocado? Ooh, that’s a good one! A sprinkle of oregano instead of (or with!) the basil? Trust me, it’s delish! You could even throw in some other veggies, like bell peppers or red onion. Just have fun with it! It’s a salad, not a science experiment, haha!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

So, you’ve got this gorgeous Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad, but what do you serve it with? Well, I’ve got some ideas! Grilled chicken or fish is always a winner. Or how about some crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy olive oil and balsamic glaze? Mmm! A simple vinaigrette salad on the side? Perfect! Honestly, this salad goes with pretty much anything. It’s like the “cool kid” of the salad world, haha!

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

Okay, so I know you’ve got questions! Don’t worry, I’m here to help. Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad. If you’ve got more questions, just ask! I’m always happy to chat about food, haha!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yep, you totally can! But here’s the thing: wait to add the balsamic glaze until right before serving. Otherwise, it can get a little soggy. Nobody wants that!

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Okay, so you’ve got a few choices here. Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are my go-to. But you could also use a log of fresh mozzarella and just chop it up. Avoid the pre-shredded stuff, it’s just not the same!

Can I substitute the balsamic glaze?

Sure thing! If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a balsamic vinegar reduction. Just simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens up. Or, you could just use a little regular balsamic vinegar. It won’t be quite as sweet, but it’ll still be tasty!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad

So, wanna know the nitty-gritty? Each serving of this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad clocks in at roughly 250 calories, 18g of fat, 10g of protein, and 10g of carbs. But remember, these are just estimates! It all depends on how much of each ingredient you use. Just sayin’!

Enjoyed This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad Recipe?

Hey, if you loved this Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad as much as I do, leave a comment below! I wanna hear what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Five stars, please! Haha! Seriously though, your feedback helps other people find this recipe. Oh, and share it on social media! Let’s spread the Caprese love!

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