Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers meet ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella in a balsamic basil dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables & Herbs

01 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
02 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Cheese

04 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved

→ Dressing

05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic reduction)
07 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

# Steps:

01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and halved mozzarella balls.
02 - Add the torn basil leaves and gently toss to distribute evenly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
05 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balsamic glaze creates this incredible sweet tangy balance that ties everything together perfectly
  • You can prep everything ahead and just toss with dressing right before serving
  • It somehow feels elegant enough for dinner parties but casual enough for Tuesday lunch
02 -
  • Cucumbers release water as they sit, so dress this salad right before you plan to eat it
  • Room temperature ingredients taste better here than cold ones straight from the fridge
  • The balsamic glaze is thicker than regular vinegar and makes such a difference in the final presentation
03 -
  • Let the mozzarella sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture
  • Use a vegetable peeler to create fancy cucumber ribbons if you want to impress guests
  • Extra flaky sea salt on top right before serving makes this taste restaurant quality

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