Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful, the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is your go-to solution for easy entertaining or a quick weekday lunch. This delightful combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy fresh mozzarella, and buttery avocado, all brought together with fragrant basil and a tangy balsamic dressing, creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s simple, wholesome, and truly a celebration of fresh ingredients, making every bite feel like a little summer party in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad lies in its simplicity — just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that each add something special. From the crunch of cucumber to the creaminess of mozzarella and the zing from the dressing, every component plays a vital role in creating this delicious dish.

• 1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced: Adds a cool, crisp texture that keeps the salad refreshing.
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts with sweet juiciness and vibrant color.
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella): Creamy and mild, perfectly balancing the acidity of the veggies.
• 1 large avocado, diced: Brings a buttery richness and a smooth contrast to the other textures.
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped: Infuses herbal brightness that elevates the entire salad.
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, silky dressing base.
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar: Gives a tangy, slightly sweet depth.
• 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed: Provides a subtle kick of savory flavor.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors harmoniously.
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and complexity.

How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Cheese

Start by rinsing the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Cut the cucumber into quarters lengthwise, then slice each piece for a perfect bite-size crunch. Halve the juicy cherry tomatoes to release their sweetness evenly throughout the salad. If you’re using mozzarella pearls, they’re already ready to go, but if you have a block of fresh mozzarella, just dice it into small cubes for easy mixing. Finally, dice the ripe but firm avocado last to keep its lovely texture intact.

Step 2: Chop the Basil

Fresh basil is the herb that truly makes this salad sing, so chop it finely to spread its fragrant aroma in every forkful. If you can’t find basil, parsley or arugula can be your close cousins for a slightly different yet delicious twist.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk these together until emulsified — this simple but rich dressing will coat every ingredient with a luscious finish.

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

In a large salad bowl, gently combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and basil. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to evenly coat everything without bruising the delicate ingredients.

How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad even more, sprinkle on a few toasted pine nuts or slivers of Parmesan cheese for extra texture and flavor. A few whole basil leaves on top also add a beautiful visual and aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak and also serves as a refreshing balance to heavier pasta dishes or crusty artisan bread dipped in olive oil. It’s equally fantastic as a light meal on its own when you want something satisfying yet not heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the ingredients in a glass trifle bowl for a stunning visual, or serve it in individual mason jars for a charming and portable option. You can even turn it into a vibrant sandwich filling by layering it inside crusty ciabatta bread for a fresh summer sandwich treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you do have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the avocado from browning, consider squeezing a little lemon juice over it before mixing or add avocado only when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing

This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and mozzarella won’t hold up well after thawing and will lose their delightful texture.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad served cold or room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If paired with a warm dish, enjoy the salad chilled on the side to keep its crisp, refreshing character intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mozzarella with a different cheese?

Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella gives the salad its creamy and mild flavor, you can experiment with feta for a tangier twist or burrata for an indulgently creamy option. Just remember these cheeses have different textures and saltiness levels, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

To make a vegan Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, simply omit the mozzarella or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you won’t miss out on flavor or freshness.

How long does the salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad within a few hours after dressing. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or radishes can add intriguing crunch and color. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so the fresh simplicity of the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad remains the star.

What type of balsamic vinegar is best for this salad?

Choose a good-quality extra virgin balsamic vinegar — not the overly sweetened commercial kinds. A traditional or aged balsamic will contribute the perfect balance of acidity and subtle sweetness to complement the fresh ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad—it’s simple yet sophisticated, fresh yet satisfying, and perfectly suited for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a crowd-pleasing starter, this salad has you covered. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes that always makes eating fresh veggies something to look forward to.

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