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This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is the dish I turn to when it is blazing hot outside and I want something easy, healthy, and refreshing. It is loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a light balsamic dressing. Every forkful is like a little taste of summer, and I make it on repeat for BBQs or quick lunches.
I first made this salad at a backyard cookout and my friends wiped the bowl clean. Since then it has become my go to when tomatoes and cucumbers are in season and I want something everyone will love without fuss.
Ingredients
- English cucumber: gives a crisp bite without as many seeds look for one that feels firm with smooth skin
- Cherry tomatoes: provide sweet juiciness halve them for even dressing coverage and check for ones that are plump and bright in color
- Fresh mozzarella pearls: add creaminess use pearls for convenience or cut a block of mozzarella into small cubes for richer texture
- Avocado: brings silky richness pick one that feels just barely soft to the touch not mushy
- Fresh basil: gives a classic herbal note choose unblemished leaves for the best aroma
- Extra virgin olive oil: creates a silky base for the dressing always use a good quality oil you love the flavor of
- Balsamic vinegar: adds brightness and tang try to use aged balsamic for a more rounded taste
- Garlic clove: infuses the dressing with a gentle kick mince it finely for even distribution
- Fine sea salt: seasons the whole dish use to taste but a pinch more right before serving can wake up all the flavors
- Freshly cracked black pepper: gives a gentle heat grind your own if possible for extra punch
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry the cucumber cherry tomatoes and basil. Cut the cucumber into quarters lengthwise then slice into bite sized pieces. Halve the tomatoes. Dice the avocado and chop the basil just before combining so the colors stay bright.
- Mix the Salad Base:
- In a large salad bowl combine the cucumber cherry tomatoes mozzarella pearls avocado cubes and chopped basil. Toss gently with your hands or two large spoons so everything gets evenly mixed but nothing turns mushy.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil balsamic vinegar minced garlic sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until thickened and no longer separated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed so it is bright and flavorful.
- Dress and Serve:
- Just before serving drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat each piece without breaking up the avocado or mozzarella. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.
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The avocado in this salad is always my favorite part. Its richness ties the dish together and makes every bite extra creamy. I will never forget the first time my niece helped slice the basil—she said it made the whole kitchen smell like summer.
Storage Tips
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days but for best texture add avocado only right before serving. If you need to pack it ahead for lunch keep dressing and avocado separate and combine just before eating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feta cheese can swap in for mozzarella when you want more tang. Try diced red onion or baby arugula if you are out of basil. If you are out of balsamic vinegar a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice works in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a side for grilled chicken steak or seafood for an easy summer meal. I also love it piled onto crusty bread as a topping for bruschetta. Spoon leftovers over cooked quinoa for a quick grain bowl.
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Cultural and Historical Context
This salad is my take on a classic Caprese but with added crunch and color from cucumber and avocado. Dishes like this highlight Mediterranean flavors and traditions of using the freshest vegetables in simple combinations.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can this salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, but for optimal freshness, add avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What are good alternatives to fresh basil?
Parsley, cilantro, or baby arugula can be used as substitutes for fresh basil, each adding a unique herbal note.
- → Is regular mozzarella fine instead of pearls?
Absolutely! Simply dice regular mozzarella into bite-sized cubes to replicate the texture of mozzarella pearls.
- → Can I modify the dressing for different flavors?
Yes, try replacing balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a lighter, citrusy dressing that brightens the salad.
- → What proteins pair well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak complement the salad nicely, adding satisfying protein while preserving the fresh taste.