Description
Refreshing Cucumber Caprese Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze. A simple summer dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered if large
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar, reduced slightly)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the English cucumbers and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). A mandoline or sharp knife can be used.
- Halve the Cherry Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve them. Quarter larger ones.
- Arrange the Ingredients: On a large platter, arrange the cucumber slices, overlapping slightly. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls evenly over the cucumber.
- Add the Basil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves generously over the salad.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the salad.
- Add the Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad. If using balsamic vinegar, reduce it slightly in a saucepan until thickened.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Optional: Add Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the salad for a little heat.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but the cucumbers may get soggy.
- Variations: Add avocado, use different types of tomatoes, add olives, use different herbs (mint, oregano), make it a skewer, add a lemon vinaigrette, grilled halloumi, or pesto drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes