Cucumber Caprese Boats
Cucumber Caprese Boats
The term “Caprese” originated on the island of Capri, describing a salad with the colors of the Italian flag. Cucumber “boats” add a fun twist to this classic Italian salad. Kids will love preparing and munching on this fresh and healthy snack!
Ingredients
- 2 small cucumbers
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8-10 leaves fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dry)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and cut in half lengthwise.
- Using a small spoon, scrape out the seeds in the middle of each cucumber half, leaving a 1/4-1/2 inch shell. Cut a small slice off of the bottom of each half so that it lays flat.
- Cut tomatoes into quarters. Dice mozzarella into small cubes or shred.
- In a medium bowl, mix together tomatoes, cheese, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and dried basil (if using).
- Spoon mixture into each of the cucumber boats. If using fresh basil, cut into fine ribbons and sprinkle on top.
Notes
Smart Shopping Tips
- Smaller cucumbers are crisper and have smaller seeds.
- Choose cucumbers which are firm and have a bright green color without blemishes.
- Growing your own basil and other herbs is a great way to save money and have a constant supply of fresh herbs to season your dishes.
- Basil grows well in the hot Texas summers and can be planted outside in the ground or grown in pots inside near a sunny window. However, they will not survive a frost.
- Chop cucumbers and mix all ingredients together to create a tasty salad. Serve alongside your favorite toasted crackers or bread.
- Toss in other seasonings such as oregano and garlic for additional flavor.