Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a light side. Combining juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crisp cucumbers with a simple balsamic dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying.

The image shows a fresh salad in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers: a base of dark green leafy lettuce, a middle layer of chunky green avocado pieces and rings of purple onions, and a top layer scattered with bright red halved cherry tomatoes and small white mozzarella balls. A golden brown dressing is being poured over the salad from a clear glass container, adding a shiny texture. The mix of colors and textures is vibrant and fresh, with visible small black pepper specks on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 large diced avocado, ripe but firm
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (pearls or small balls, drained)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced very fine
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the fresh ingredients—sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil—into a serving bowl. Arrange them well for an appealing look.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

  • Use ripe but firm avocado to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
  • Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter, zestier dressing.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
  • For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture. Avoid storing with dressing combined to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a fresh salad in a round white bowl with a cracked texture on the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has three main layers mixed together: round red cherry tomatoes, white mozzarella balls, and green avocado chunks cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding color and texture. Two wooden spoons are partially visible in the bowl, gently holding some salad, with a soft beige cloth partially visible to the side. The salad looks fresh, colorful, and juicy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead but keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for fresh mozzarella?

If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, you can use small cubes of a mild, soft cheese like burrata or even feta for a different but delicious flavor.

Print

Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber mozzarella salad featuring ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines fresh ingredients with creamy mozzarella for a delightful flavor and texture balance.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 large ripe but firm avocado, diced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls, drained

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (e.g., Colavita)
  • 1 tbsp high-quality balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced very fine
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Assemble the Salad Ingredients: Begin by placing the fresh ingredients into a serving bowl. Add the peeled, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped fresh basil leaves. Arrange well to create an appealing presentation.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is emulsified and all components are fully combined.
  3. Dress and Serve the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients in the bowl to ensure an even coating with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Use firm, ripe avocado to prevent mushiness in the salad.
  • For best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  • This salad is best served immediately to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
  • Can be customized by adding toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Perfect as a light meal or a refreshing side dish during warm weather.

Keywords: cucumber mozzarella salad, easy salad recipe, fresh basil salad, avocado salad, cherry tomato salad, no-cook salad, Italian salad

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