Cucumber Caprese Salad
Looking for the best cucumber recipe to make and share this season? Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fun twist on the classic summertime appetizer and side. All you need are four ingredients and about 10 minutes to make Caprese Salad with Cucumber! Makes 4 servings.
If you’re like me and don’t necessarily love tomatoes, which are mainstay in classic Caprese Salad, you’re in for a treat.
This twist on the classic calls for cucumber instead of tomato… and it’s so wonderfully refreshing.
I have got to credit my dad’s wife, Mindy, with this recipe, because she introduced us to it this summer when we were in Memphis, and I could not stop thinking about it.
Why I love this recipe:
If you love the fruits of the season and all the summertime goodness, this cucumber salad recipe is where it’s at.
Also, if you have a cucumber plant that won’t stop producing cucumbers and you’re tired of pickles, this is a great alternative. 😉
All you need are fresh cucumbers, sliced mozzarella, balsamic glaze and basil leaves. You could also add a little salt and pepper, too.
Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a side dish to pair with something like hamburgers or steak, this cucumber salad recipe is crisp, light and delicious.
Other cucumber recipes to try: Cucumber Margarita | Cucumber Bruschetta (Easy Cucumber Appetizer) | Cucumber and Feta Salad | TRISCUIT Crackers Cucumber Bites | Cucumber Finger Sandwiches with Feta and Cream Cheese Spread
Looking for more warm weather recipes? Check out my Summer Recipe Index for more ideas.
What you’ll need to make this recipe:
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- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Serving platter
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
This is what you’ll need:
- Cucumbers—use whatever types of cucumbers you’ve got on hand. We’ve made this recipe with English cucumbers (which do not need to be peeled) and more classic garden cucumbers, which have a thicker skin and do need to be peeled.
- Mozzarella—fresh mozzarella is what you’ll need. We purchased ours pre-sliced in a package, but you can slice your own, too.
- Balsamic glaze—while you can make your own by cooking balsamic vinegar down on the stovetop, many stores sell their own glaze. This is an easy store-bought win!
- Fresh basil—pluck it fresh from the garden! You just need a few leaves to shred and garnish the salad.
How to make Cucumber Caprese Salad
Prepare the cucumbers. Wash, dry and peel the skins from the cucumbers. Slice into thin rounds.
Slice the mozzarella into rounds, if it is not pre-sliced.
Layer the cucumbers and mozzarella together on a serving tray.
Use your creativity to arrange them… they don’t have to look perfect.
I chose to layer mine, as seen in these photos. I’ve also eaten cucumber slices topped with little balls of mozzarella cheese. Do whatever works for you!
Add the balsamic glaze. Drizzle it over to where each bite has a little glaze.
Garnish with fresh basil. Tear it apart with your fingers and scatter it on top of the cucumber caprese salad.
Enjoy immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
Caprese salad calls for fresh, seasonal ingredients. This rendition of the recipe calls for cucumbers instead of tomatoes.
I’ve read that the reason we call it this is because Caprese salad originates from the Isle of Capri off the coast of Italy as an nod to the colors of the Italian flag.
You could use another fresh herb, like oregano, in this salad.
You can pair this Caprese salad with most anything. We like to serve it at a backyard barbecue or outdoor entertaining because it’s crisp, light and easy to put together.
Quick tips for Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Use the cucumbers you’ve got on hand! We’ve made this recipe with cucumbers we grew ourselves, as well as English cucumbers from the store. Both work!
- Add tomatoes… if you love ‘em! While this rendition of the classic does not call for tomatoes, you could add them to the recipe! Tomatoes and cucumbers play well together and pair beautifully with the mozzarella, too.
- Make it bite-sized. Instead of layering it like I did, use mozzarella pearls and place a single pearl on top of each cucumber round. You’ll need a few serving platters and more basil, but this is a great way to feed a crowd this cucumber appetizer recipe!
Cucumber Caprese Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers about 1 ½ lbs. or 645g
- 16 oz. mozzarella cheese sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers. Wash, dry and peel the skins from the cucumbers.
- Slice into thin rounds. If using an English cucumber, you do not have to remove the skins.
- Slice the mozzarella into rounds, if necessary.
- Layer the cucumbers and mozzarella together on a platter. Use your creativity to arrange them in a way you see fit.
- Add the balsamic glaze. Drizzle it over the salad to where each bite has a little glaze.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Tear it apart with your fingers and scatter it on top of the cucumber caprese salad.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
Video
Notes
Tips and tricks:
- Use the cucumbers you’ve got on hand! We’ve made this recipe with cucumbers we grew ourselves, as well as English cucumbers from the store. Both work!
- Add tomatoes… if you love ‘em! While this rendition of the classic does not call for tomatoes, you could add them to the recipe! Tomatoes and cucumbers play well together and pair beautifully with the mozzarella, too.
- Make it bite-sized. Instead of layering it like I did in these photos, use mozzarella pearls and place a single pearl on top of each cucumber round. You’ll need a few serving platters and more basil, but this isa great way to feed a crowd this cucumber appetizer recipe!
This was a great appetizer that was super simple to make but really flavorful.
Thank you, Tristin! So glad you enjoyed this one!