Name: Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups tomatoes, diced (about 4 larger tomatoes); 3 Persian cucumbers, diced; ¼ cup red onion, diced; 8 ounces mini mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry; 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; ⅓ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Introduction

This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal. Combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella, it’s tossed in a simple garlic and red wine vinegar dressing. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it makes a delightful side or a satisfying snack.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad consisting of several layers: small round white mozzarella balls, bright green cucumber slices cut into chunks, and diced red tomatoes mixed with finely chopped red onions and fresh basil leaves scattered on top. The textures show the soft and smooth mozzarella, the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and leafy greens. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth partially visible in the upper left corner and some fresh basil leaves on a wooden board in the upper right corner. Bright red tomatoes on the vine sit at the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups tomatoes, diced (about 4 large tomatoes)
3 Persian cucumbers, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mini mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry
3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumbers and cut off the ends. Slice them horizontally, quarter, then dice into small pieces. Dice the red onion finely.
Step 2: Wash the tomatoes, cut in half, remove the watery centers, and then dice them.
Step 3: Peel and finely mince the garlic clove, using a cheese grater if preferred, and place it in a small bowl.
Step 4: Whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

Add 3 cups of cooked pasta such as bow tie, macaroni, or fusilli to turn the salad into a hearty meal.
Incorporate 2 ripe but firm avocados, peeled and diced, for added creaminess and nutrition.
Swap the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar to create a balsamic vinaigrette version.
Replace the garlic dressing with champagne vinaigrette or Italian dressing for a different flavor profile.
Use burrata cheese instead of mozzarella balls by breaking it into small pieces for a richer texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for best freshness. Mozzarella and vegetables may release some liquid over time, so toss gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be allowed to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

A small white bowl filled with a fresh salad composed of chopped green cucumber pieces, small round white mozzarella balls, and diced red tomatoes mixed with bits of dark green herbs, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Behind it, there is a larger white bowl with the same salad, slightly out of focus. The salad looks colorful and fresh, with the different textures of the soft mozzarella, crunchy cucumber, and juicy tomatoes clearly visible. The overall scene feels light and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work well too. Just be sure to peel them if the skin is thick and seeds are large, as Persian cucumbers are typically thinner-skinned and less seedy.

Is it necessary to remove the watery centers of the tomatoes?

Removing the watery centers helps prevent the salad from becoming too soggy. It also intensifies the tomato flavor in the salad for a better overall texture.