Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that feels like summer on a plate, the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is exactly what you need. This refreshing salad combines crisp, cool cucumbers with soft, creamy mozzarella, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and perfectly ripe avocado, all elevated by fragrant basil and a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. Every bite is a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s so satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether as a light lunch or a colorful side, the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for fresh and healthy eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simplicity, relying on fresh, quality ingredients that each add something special to the mix. From the crunchy cucumber to the creamy mozzarella, these essentials create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
- 1/2 English cucumber: Quartered lengthwise and sliced for that perfect crisp bite and refreshing crunch.
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy sweetness and add vibrant color.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls: Use whole balls or diced fresh mozzarella for creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- 1 large avocado: Diced to add a luscious, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1/3 cup basil leaves: Chopped fresh basil brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that lifts the salad.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and a silky finish to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and slight sweetness for balance.
- 1 clove garlic: Pressed or grated to introduce a gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the fresh flavors — feel free to adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
How to Make Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Step 1: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
Start by placing all your fresh ingredients into a large serving bowl. Lay down the crunchy cucumber slices, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, creamy diced avocado, and sprinkle the chopped basil all over. This arrangement isn’t just about looks — it sets the stage for your taste buds to enjoy a perfect combination of freshness and creaminess in every forkful.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, a pinch of fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the dressing emulsifies, creating a smooth blend that will coat your salad beautifully without overpowering the natural flavors.
Step 3: Dress and Serve the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle your freshly made dressing evenly over the salad. Then gently toss everything together with a light hand, ensuring each ingredient gets its moment to shine with a little glossy coating. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispest experience — the key to this salad’s magic lies in enjoying it right away!
How to Serve Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair and even more flavor to your Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, consider garnishing it with a few extra torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch. A light drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze on top can also enhance the visual appeal and introduce a sweet contrast. These simple touches turn a humble salad into something that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect companion to a light summer dinner. It also works beautifully alongside crusty bread or a warm, herby quinoa pilaf. The freshness of the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad cuts through heartier flavors, balancing your meal and keeping things vibrant and healthy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass trifle bowl or serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics and gatherings. You can also create fun skewers by threading cucumber slices, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes on toothpicks for a bite-sized appetizer twist. These creative ideas make enjoying your salad all the more exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the avocado and fresh dressing, it’s best enjoyed within one day to prevent browning and sogginess. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up.
Freezing
The fresh textures in Cucumber Mozzarella Salad don’t freeze well, especially the cucumbers and avocado, which can become mushy upon thawing. For the best taste and texture, it’s best to avoid freezing this salad. Instead, enjoy it fresh or repurpose leftovers promptly.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. Warmth will wilt the basil, soften the veggies, and overwhelm the delicate mozzarella. Stick to enjoying the salad straight from the fridge for that unbeatable freshness.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers will work just fine, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which makes the texture more enjoyable in this salad.
Is it possible to make the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the fresh mozzarella for a plant-based cheese alternative or marinated tofu cubes to keep similar creaminess without the dairy.
What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar with a nice balance of acidity and sweetness, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. This ensures your dressing enhances the salad without overpowering it.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding red onion slices, olives, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color variance.
How long does the salad keep freshness after dressing?
For peak freshness, it’s best to consume the salad within a few hours of adding the dressing. If you plan to store it longer, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad enough—it’s simple, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you need a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad delivers on flavor and freshness every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for any season!
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Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Mozzarella Salad combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and buttery avocado, tossed with fresh basil and a flavorful garlic balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 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
- Assemble the Salad Ingredients: Place the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil leaves into a serving bowl. Arrange the ingredients nicely for an appealing presentation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well blended.
- Dress and Serve the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss all the ingredients to coat them evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- The salad is best served immediately to prevent the avocado from browning.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar for a different tang.
- For a vegan option, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, mozzarella salad, summer salad, fresh salad, easy appetizer, Italian salad, healthy salad
