Dinner

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

ByLily Cross July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Let me introduce you to the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, a vibrant, refreshing summer favorite that truly never gets old. With juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and a punch of fresh basil, this salad is as pretty as it is delicious. One quick whisk of a garlicky olive oil and balsamic dressing brings all the flavors and textures together, making each bite pop with color and taste. Whether you’re searching for a light lunch, a picnic side, or a way to impress guests with very little effort, this salad fits the bill every time.

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of fresh, simple ingredients is what makes this salad so special. Each one adds its own magic, turning an everyday bowl of veggies into a recipe you’ll crave over and over again.

English cucumber: Quartered and sliced, it’s super crisp and holds up beautifully against the juicy tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for maximum color and sweetness in every bite; go for a rainbow mix if you want extra flair!
Fresh mozzarella pearls: Soft, delicate, and creamy; mozzarella adds irresistible richness. If using a larger ball, just dice it up.
Avocado: Diced just before adding, it offers buttery smoothness and a subtle flavor that ties everything together.
Fresh basil: Chopped leaves lend a signature summery aroma and a burst of green.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and silkiness as the base of your dressing—choose the best you can find!
Balsamic vinegar: For tangy-sweet notes that elevate the salad’s flavors.
Garlic clove: Fresh, minced garlic wakes up the dressing with its punchy flavor.
Fine sea salt: Enhances all those fresh ingredients—add more to taste if needed.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Just a hint brings spice and complexity to every mouthful.

How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large salad bowl. Gently toss in your sliced cucumbers, sweet cherry tomato halves, mozzarella pearls, creamy diced avocado, and freshly chopped basil. This is where the salad comes alive with its symphony of textures and colors—don’t be shy about mixing things up gently to distribute everything beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

Next, in a small bowl, combine your extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk everything together vigorously until the dressing begins to look a bit creamy and fully blended. The garlic gets infused into the oil, creating a fragrant base that’s truly irresistible atop Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

When you’re just about ready to serve, pour the zesty dressing over your vegetable and mozzarella mixture. Toss everything very gently—especially if you’ve got ripe avocado—to ensure each piece is coated but nothing gets mushy. This quick step makes all the flavors come together in harmony, and ensures every bite is bright and satisfying.

How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Garnishes

A salad this beautiful deserves a little flourish! Top your bowl with extra basil leaves, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze, or even some freshly grated black pepper. You can also sprinkle on a few toasted pine nuts or a handful of microgreens for added crunch and color.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a wide array of dishes. It’s delicious alongside grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or steak, but equally at home with a loaf of crusty bread or some grilled flatbread for scooping up every last bite. Bring it to a potluck or picnic, and it will complement anything from sandwiches to barbecue classics.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in individual glasses or mason jars, perfect for picnics or summer parties. It also makes a stunning topping for toasted baguette slices as a bruschetta-style appetizer, or spoon it over tender greens for a heartier entrée salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, transfer your salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep for about a day, although the avocado may soften a bit and the tomatoes will release some juice. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. Both cucumbers and tomatoes lose their crispness, and avocado can turn mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, for that perfect combination of creamy, juicy, and crunchy textures.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. There’s no need—and no benefit—to reheating. If you’ve chilled it, simply let it sit on the counter for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors come alive again.

FAQs

Can I make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and cheese a few hours ahead and store them (without dressing) in the fridge. Just add the avocado and toss with dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What type of mozzarella works best?

Fresh mozzarella pearls are wonderfully convenient, but you can easily use a large ball of mozzarella cut into cubes. Opt for the freshest option you can find for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Toss the avocado with a little bit of lemon juice or some of the dressing before mixing into the salad. The acid helps keep its vibrant color and slows browning so your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad stays gorgeous.

Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Sliced red onions, kalamata olives, or even a handful of baby spinach are popular choices. Feel free to get creative and make the salad your own by building on this flavorful foundation.

Is this salad gluten free and vegetarian?

Yes to both! All the ingredients in Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad are naturally gluten free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to almost any table.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is one of those recipes you’ll keep returning to—whether it’s for a laid-back lunch, a picnic staple, or a colorful side at your next gathering. It’s so easy, fresh, and satisfying that you’ll wonder why you ever went without it. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen!