If you’re craving a crisp, crave-worthy salad with a burst of summertime in every bite, you’ll fall in love with this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad! Sunshine-bright tomatoes, cool cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in the ultimate crowd-pleaser—finished with a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing that brings it all to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful: Each ingredient bursts with freshness—the crisp veggies, lush mozzarella, and fragrant basil are a celebration of summer on your plate.
- Ridiculously Easy: You need just 15 minutes and a handful of basic ingredients to create a salad that’s worthy of any dinner table or picnic spread.
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad pairs beautifully with just about anything, making it the side dish everyone will reach for first.
- Customizable: With endless ideas for swaps and add-ins, you can make this salad fit your tastes or dietary needs in seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad shines thanks to unbeatable produce and just the right touches of seasoning. Each element brings something special, from beautiful color to irresistible texture.
- English cucumber: Crisp, sweet, and almost seedless—its refreshing crunch sets the perfect backdrop.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and naturally sweet, halved for vivid color and a pop of flavor in each bite.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced mozzarella): Creamy and mild, these add richness without overpowering the veggies.
- Avocado: Buttery and smooth, avocado takes this salad straight into “can’t-stop-eating” territory.
- Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant, peppery punch of green that ties everything together in a summery hug.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use your best here—a generous drizzle heightens everything with a subtle, fruity undertone.
- Balsamic vinegar: Its tang balances out the creamy mozzarella and mellow avocado beautifully.
- Garlic: Just a touch, pressed or grated, for savory depth and intrigue.
- Fine sea salt & black pepper: Seasoning perfection—don’t skip!
Variations
This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is endlessly adaptable—swap ingredients, play with the dressing, or pile on extras to make it distinctly your own! Don’t be shy—salads were made for improvising.
- Add olives or red onion: For a Mediterranean twist, toss in a handful of pitted olives or a few thin slices of red onion for zesty bite.
- Try different herbs: If you’re out of basil, mint or parsley are lovely substitutes for a fresh pop.
- Make it dairy-free: Leave out the mozzarella or swap for a vegan cheese alternative—the salad stays vibrant and filling.
- Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked shrimp to turn it into a satisfying meal.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
Start by quartering and slicing the cucumber and halving the cherry tomatoes. Add these to a big serving bowl. Gently toss in your fresh mozzarella pearls (or cubes), diced avocado, and the chopped basil. This is where all the color and texture magic begins!
Step 2: Whisk the Simple Dressing
In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk it vigorously so the oil emulsifies with the vinegar—you want that glossy, cohesive finish that will coat every last bite.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle the dressing all over the salad. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a big spoon, being careful not to mush the avocado. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately so the veggies still burst with crispness!
Pro Tips for Making Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
- Avocado Timing: Dice and add the avocado right before serving for maximum creaminess and to keep it wonderfully green.
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Take the mozzarella out of the fridge ahead of time—room temp mozzarella is extra soft and soaks up the dressing beautifully.
- Don’t Over-Toss: Gently toss the salad to avoid breaking up the mozzarella pearls or smashing the avocado chunks.
- Season to Taste: Tomatoes and cucumbers love a little sprinkle of extra sea salt and pepper right before serving—taste and adjust so the flavors sing.
How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Garnishes
This salad is extra gorgeous with a few whole basil leaves or a drizzle of thick balsamic glaze right before serving. If you fancy a little crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds over the top for a nutty finish.
Side Dishes
Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is dreamy alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak, and it makes a fresh contrast to heartier mains like pasta or pizza. It’s picture-perfect with crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up every drop of dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
You can plate this salad family-style on a big platter, serve individual portions in small bowls, or even pile it atop crostini for a stunning bruschetta-inspired appetizer. For a party, assemble it in little jars or cups for a beautiful, mess-free presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, hold off on adding the avocado and basil until just before eating to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.
Freezing
This is one salad that’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as it causes the veggies to lose their crunch and the mozzarella and avocado to become watery and mushy.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad—it’s meant to be served fresh and chilled or at room temperature! If leftovers have chilled too long, let them stand at room temp for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the veggies and make the dressing a few hours ahead—just keep everything separate (especially the avocado and basil) and toss together right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
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What type of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella pearls are easiest, but any soft, fresh mozzarella (torn or diced) is perfect. Just avoid the low-moisture “pizza” cheese, as it lacks creaminess and won’t meld into the salad.
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How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Add a little extra lemon juice or balsamic to the avocado just before combining with the rest of the salad, and wait to cut and mix it until the last minute for the greenest results.
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Is Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad gluten-free or vegan?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply skip the mozzarella or replace it with a plant-based alternative—everything else is naturally fresh and plant-forward!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fast, foolproof way to brighten your table, you truly can’t go wrong with Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. It’s as simple as it is spectacular—give it a try, and let it become a fresh favorite at your next meal!
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Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines the freshness of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with creamy mozzarella and avocado, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Cucumber:
- 1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
Tomatoes:
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Mozzarella:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls, or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese
Avocado:
- 1 large avocado, diced
Basil:
- 1/3 cup basil leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and pressed or grated
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, avocado, and basil into a serving bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper together until combined.
- Toss and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
