As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s something comforting about meals that celebrate fresh produce in simple, beautiful ways. While fall often brings to mind warm soups and baked treats, it’s also a great time to enjoy vibrant, cool salads especially those that complement heavier mains. This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is one of those dishes I turn to again and again. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor, with crunchy cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled in a balsamic glaze.
It reminds me of late summer harvests in my grandmother’s garden, where we’d gather crisp cucumbers and sun-warmed tomatoes to make quick, wholesome meals. That tradition inspired this salad something you can whip up in minutes for lunch, dinner, or as a refreshing side dish. Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser.
Let’s break it down and show you how to make this reader-favorite step by step.
Print
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and refreshing salad features crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and aromatic basil, all finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze—perfect as a side dish or standalone meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduction)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cucumber thoroughly. Slice tomatoes in half and cut cucumber into bite-sized half-moons.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella pearls. Gently toss to mix.
- Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and add them to the bowl for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently again to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Notes
For best flavor, use room-temperature ingredients. Add salt just before serving to prevent sogginess. You can prep the components ahead, but combine and dress the salad right before serving for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients for Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad
This salad comes together with just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen or garden.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduction)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for best crunch and minimal seeds.
- If mozzarella pearls aren’t available, cube a block of fresh mozzarella.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tangy finish. You can make your own or use store-bought.
- Fresh basil is key for authentic Caprese flavor don’t skip it!
If you love salad recipes with a similar fresh balance, check out this Strawberry Spinach Salad that’s also perfect for autumn brunches or Famous Greek Salads for another refreshing twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This salad takes under 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish no cooking required.
How to Make It:
- Prep the vegetables: Rinse the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and the cucumber into bite-sized half-moons.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, and mozzarella. Gently toss to mix.
- Add basil: Tear fresh basil by hand and add to the bowl for maximum aroma.
- Drizzle and season: Pour olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently again.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
If you’re making this salad alongside a summer-inspired dish, pair it with Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic for a perfect warm weather spread even in fall!
Tips for Success
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is simple, but a few tricks can elevate it to the next level.
- Salt just before serving: Salting too early can make the cucumbers release water and make your salad soggy.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Mozzarella and tomatoes taste best when not straight from the fridge.
- Balsamic glaze over vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can be too acidic. The glaze adds a thicker, sweeter element that balances the cucumbers.
- Make it in advance: You can prep everything except the basil and dressing a day ahead. Just assemble and dress before serving.
Craving more seasonal pairings? You’ll love this crisp and flavorful Pineapple Cucumber Salad or the comforting Vegetarian Feta Potato Salad.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Here are a few fun twists:
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Swap the mozzarella for dairy-free mozzarella-style balls. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
- Make it a meal prep favorite: Store in jars (minus the dressing) for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Add crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add texture and nutty flavor.
- Fall twist: Try adding roasted butternut squash cubes for a seasonal flair.
Another fun salad idea? This Air Fryer Gnocchi Salad combines textures in a unique and hearty way perfect for autumn potlucks.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how you can store leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing: Cucumbers and fresh mozzarella do not freeze well.
- Make-ahead tip: Prep the cucumbers, tomatoes, and cheese ahead of time. Store separately from basil and dressing to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Looking for more salads that hold up well for next-day lunches? Try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad or this refreshing Mexican Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing.
Conclusion
This Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s quick, adaptable, and always a hit. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table, packing it for lunch, or just tossing it together for a weeknight dinner, this salad brings freshness and flavor in every bite.
It’s a dish that proves simple really is best.