1-Getting started with Cucumber Caprese Salad is as easy as gathering your ingredients and following a few simple steps. First, in a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried basil, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper; set it aside to let the flavors blend. This dressing adds a fresh twist that ties everything together nicely.

2-Next, peel the washed cucumber and scrape the skin with a fork up and down a few times, then slice it thin and dice it before adding to a medium bowl. This step helps reduce any bitterness and improves the salad’s texture, as mentioned in the tips for a better presentation.

3-Then, quarter the washed 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl for that burst of juiciness. If you’re using the optional 1/2 large red onion, thinly slice and dice it now and toss it in too. This builds the base of your cucumber caprese with vibrant colors and flavors.

4-After that, add the 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces or pearl-sized balls, to the bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and cheese, and mix well to coat everything evenly. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the tastes to meld, resulting in a dish ready in about 20 minutes total.