Juicy Cucumber Caprese Salad (Printable Version)

Crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella tossed in balsamic dressing for a refreshing Italian-inspired salad.

# 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

# Directions:

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 throughout the salad.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way cool cucumbers balance with rich mozzarella creates this incredibly satisfying bite every single time
  • You can throw it together in fifteen minutes but it tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant
02 -
  • This salad needs to be eaten right after dressing because the salt will make the cucumbers weep and lose their satisfying crunch
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving
03 -
  • Let your mozzarella come to room temperature for about twenty minutes so it's not cold and rubbery when you bite into it
  • If you only have regular balsamic vinegar, simmer it on low heat until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy

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