Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or light meals. Combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a simple salad packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/2 English cucumber (cut into quarters lengthwise and sliced)
• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella)
• 1 large diced avocado
• 1/3 cup chopped basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic (peeled and either pressed or grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil leaves.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
4. Step 4: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
• Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter, tangier taste.
• Use fresh mozzarella pearls for easy serving or dice a larger mozzarella ball.
• If you prefer, substitute avocado with sliced radishes for a crisp alternative.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because avocado and fresh mozzarella are delicate, the salad is best eaten fresh. If needed, toss gently before serving and consider adding avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad shortly before serving to keep the avocado fresh and prevent it from browning. You can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients in advance to save time.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with fresh parsley or mint for a different but still delicious flavor.

Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 57 reviews

This refreshing Cucumber Mozzarella Salad combines crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and ripe avocado, all tossed in a flavorful dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh basil. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and bursts with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1/2 English cucumber, cut into quarters lengthwise and sliced
• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella)
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed or grated
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing the cucumber and cherry tomatoes. Cut the cucumber into quarters lengthwise and then slice it thinly. Halve the cherry tomatoes for easier eating and to release their juice into the salad.
2. Prepare the cheese and avocado: Drain the fresh mozzarella balls or dice fresh mozzarella into cubes if preferred. Peel and dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces, taking care to keep them intact to maintain a creamy texture in the salad.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and freshly pressed or grated garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Season with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, diced avocado, and chopped basil leaves.
5. Add dressing and toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing, being careful not to bruise the avocado.
6. Serve immediately: For best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately after tossing. If needed, refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving but avoid longer storage to prevent the avocado from browning.

Notes

• Use fresh mozzarella balls for a creamier texture or diced mozzarella if preferred.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted mozzarella.
• Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch if desired.
• Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or a light vegetarian meal.

Keywords: Cucumber salad, mozzarella salad, fresh salad, avocado salad, Mediterranean salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, healthy salad