Looking for a refreshing side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious? Who isn’t, right? This Cucumber Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is the answer. It’s a simple twist on the classic Caprese, swapping tomatoes for cool cucumbers. Perfect for busy weeknight meals, or a light and healthy lunch. This colorful, satisfying salad is ready in minutes.
Top Reasons To Make It
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick. You’ll be done chopping and assembling in about 15 minutes. It’s also very budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you might already have. Plus, this vegetable salad is packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. Did I mention it’s absolutely beautiful on the plate? Perfect addition for your busy family dinners.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: The star of the show! Choose firm, fresh cucumbers.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Adds that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of peppery flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, it ties everything together.
- Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat and richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the other flavors.
Below, you’ll find the recipe card with all the exact measurements. Don’t worry, it’s easy peasy.
Instructions
- Prep the Cucumbers: Slice your cucumbers about ¼-inch thick. If you like, you can peel them first, but I like the extra color and nutrients the skin provides.
- Slice the Mozzarella: Slice your mozzarella into rounds about the same thickness as your cucumber slices. So easy.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange your cucumber and mozzarella slices on a platter, overlapping slightly. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Add the Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle that beautiful balsamic glaze over the top just before serving.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Variations & Substitutions
This salad is amazing as is, but you can easily customize it! Add cherry tomatoes for a more traditional Caprese flavor. For extra tang, try some crumbled feta cheese. If you’re watching your calories, use part-skim mozzarella. Swap the balsamic glaze for a simple vinaigrette if you prefer. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This Cucumber Caprese Salad is a fabulous side salad for just about anything. Grilled chicken, fish, or even steak. It’s wonderful with pasta dishes or a light quiche. Honestly, it’s so refreshing, I sometimes just eat it for a healthy lunch. But it also makes a lovely appetizer for summer gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
This salad is definitely best served fresh. But, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It might release a little liquid, so just give it a gentle toss before serving. No reheating needed. Keeps well in the refrigerator and is super great to add into lunch boxes. Important: Check the expiration dates on your mozzarella to get the longest life out of this salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Prep the cucumbers, mozzarella, and basil, store them separately, and assemble just before serving. This is an easy way to simplify healthy lunch recipes.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar? Not quite. Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar. It’s perfect for drizzling over cucumber salad recipes like this one! It’s easy to find in most grocery stores with the other vinegar and oils or you can make your own using a little balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Want great cucumber recipes? Look no further!
This Cucumber Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is one of my go-to’s when I need a quick, healthy, budget-friendly, and delicious dish, and I’m sure it will easily become one of yours too when creating easy weeknight meals . It’s so simple, yet so, so impressive. Try it tonight!
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Cool & Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cucumber Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. A fun twist on the classic Caprese, it swaps tomatoes for crisp cucumbers and adds a sweet, tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for warm days, potlucks, or a no-fuss appetizer!
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds. You can peel them if preferred, but leaving the skin adds color and nutrients.
2. Slice mozzarella into rounds about the same thickness as the cucumbers.
3. On a serving platter, alternate and slightly overlap cucumber slices and mozzarella rounds. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the layers.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the arranged salad.
5. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a fancy presentation, use a squeeze bottle for the balsamic glaze.
This salad is best served fresh but can be assembled up to 2 hours in advance and chilled.
Add sliced cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Appetizer, Side
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 salad
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cucumber caprese, balsamic cucumber salad, fresh mozzarella salad, summer salad, caprese twist