Bursting with vibrant summer flavors and fresh textures, this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is my go-to when I need something easy and impressive. It’s an irresistible mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tender mozzarella, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing—salad perfection in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fresh: Every ingredient in this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad adds a cool crunch and sweet juiciness that screams summer.
- Ready in Minutes: You can prep, toss, and serve this salad in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute get-togethers.
- Versatile: Serve this salad as a light lunch, a colorful appetizer, or an easy side dish—it’s always a hit.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With creamy, tangy, crisp, and juicy all in one bowl, this recipe appeals to nearly everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a great Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds its own magic: color, flavor, or irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters!
- English cucumber: So crisp and seedless, these cucumbers offer a juicy crunch without watering down the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their sweetness and tang balance everything—plus they bring that gorgeous, summery pop of red.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls: Mild, milky cheese in every bite! If you can’t find pearls, diced mozzarella works just as well.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocado gives the salad that luxurious mouthfeel and a touch of healthy fat.
- Basil leaves: Fresh basil brings a fragrant, peppery freshness that elevates the whole bowl.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose the good stuff—its grassy, fruity flavor is the backbone of the simple dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar: Tangy and a little sweet, this adds complexity and brings all the ingredients together.
- Garlic: Just a touch for a subtle, savory kick.
- Fine sea salt & cracked black pepper: Finish with these to coax out the very best in all those fresh flavors.
Variations
The wonderful thing about this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is just how easy it is to customize! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge or suiting different tastes and diets, the possibilities are endless.
- Add Red Onion: A few slivers of thinly sliced red onion give a little bite and beautiful color.
- Try Different Herbs: Swap basil for mint, parsley, or dill for a new twist every time.
- Swap the Cheese: Try creamy feta or tangy goat cheese in place of mozzarella if you want an extra punch.
- Omit Avocado for Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and double up on avocado to make it vegan—still creamy and delicious!
- Make It a Meal: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked quinoa for a hearty main course salad.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Grab your largest salad bowl and fill it with all the color! Quarter the English cucumber and slice; halve your cherry tomatoes for maximum juiciness; chop the basil and dice your avocado right before adding so it stays perfectly green. Add the mozzarella pearls (or diced cheese) to the bowl and take a moment to admire all that freshness.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is glossy and emulsified—the aroma will tell you it’s just right!
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together so the mozzarella, veggies, and avocado get shiny and evenly coated. Taste and add an extra sprinkle of salt or cracked black pepper if you like. Serve right away and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
- Peak-Season Tomatoes: Use the ripest cherry tomatoes you can find for maximum flavor and juiciness—the brighter and firmer, the better.
- Avocado Timing: Dice and add the avocado just before tossing to keep every chunk perfectly green and creamy.
- Dress at the Last Minute: Wait to add the balsamic dressing until right before serving, so the salad stays crisp and vibrant.
- Chill Your Ingredients: If possible, cool the veggies and mozzarella in the fridge before assembling—this keeps the salad deliciously refreshing on hot days.
How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad with an extra drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a few whole basil leaves for restaurant-ready flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of freshly grated lemon zest to brighten it even more!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty baguette or garlic bread, making the perfect edible mop for extra dressing. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a light starter for Italian-inspired meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small glasses or jars for a charming appetizer, or arrange the ingredients artfully on a platter and drizzle the dressing tableside for a showstopping centerpiece. For picnics, pack the undressed salad in a jar and add the dressing right before eating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for a day, though the avocado may lose a little of its color—still, the flavor will be bright and delicious!
Freezing
This is definitely a salad best enjoyed fresh—freezing isn’t recommended as the veggies and mozzarella will lose their lovely texture, and the avocado may become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Just serve straight from the fridge and give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. If you prefer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the flavors to bloom.
FAQs
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Can I make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the veggies and cheese in advance, but for the freshest results, add the avocado and dressing just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and the avocado beautifully green!
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What type of mozzarella is best for this salad?
Fresh mozzarella pearls are ideal because they’re bite-sized and creamy, but diced fresh mozzarella cheese works just as well. Avoid shredded or low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
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How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Dicing the avocado right before adding it helps, and the acidity from the balsamic dressing also slows browning. Lightly coating the avocado in lemon juice before tossing it in will keep it even greener if making slightly ahead.
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Can I make this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the mozzarella and add more avocado or a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be creamy, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-off salad that’s easy and always delicious, give this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad a try. It’s vibrant, fresh, and full of flavor—exactly the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. I hope you love it as much as I do!
PrintTomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy mozzarella, creamy avocado, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, makes this salad a delightful summer treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumber:
- 1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
Cherry 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
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, avocado, and basil into a serving bowl.
- Prepare 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
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
