Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant salad that brings together crisp textures and creamy goodness, look no further than this Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. It’s a celebration of fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and soft mozzarella, all harmonized by aromatic basil and a tangy, garlicky dressing. This salad is simple enough for a quick lunch or as a stunning side dish for your dinner, bursting with bright flavors and satisfying every bite with cool crunch and smooth richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making this salad truly shine. Each one plays a vital part in creating a balanced blend of taste, texture, and color that makes the Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad so irresistible.
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into quarters lengthwise and sliced: Adds a crisp, cool crunch that refreshes every bite.
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant red color to the dish.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella): Provides creamy, mild richness that perfectly complements the veggies.
- 1 large diced avocado: Offers buttery texture and subtle flavor to elevate the salad’s creaminess.
- 1/3 cup chopped basil leaves: Infuses a fresh, aromatic punch that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Creates a smooth, fruity base for the dressing that balances the salad.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that brightens and deepens the overall taste.
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and pressed or grated: Introduces a sharp, savory note to wake up the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of warmth to finish off the seasoning.
How to Make Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Step 1: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
Start with a spacious serving bowl and add the star ingredients: sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil leaves. As you layer these beautiful components, you’ll notice how their colors and textures play perfectly together. Take a moment to arrange them attractively because we eat with our eyes first! This easy assembly makes the base of the salad both inviting and fresh.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients to create a harmonious blend. Combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, flavorful sauce. This simple dressing is the magic touch that elevates the Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad by adding just the right zing without masking the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Dress and Serve the Salad
Right before serving, pour the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss everything together. The key is to coat all those vibrant veggies and the creamy mozzarella evenly without bruising the delicate ingredients. Once dressed, serve immediately to relish the crispness of the cucumber and the creamy mozzarella mingling with the fresh basil and zesty dressing. It’s a delightfully easy salad guaranteed to please!
How to Serve Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts over your salad. A few shavings of fresh Parmesan can also boost richness while a drizzle of honey balances the tangy dressing with a hint of sweetness. Fresh basil leaves as a final touch always brighten up the presentation and aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs gorgeously with grilled chicken or fish, making it a vibrant side on summer evenings. Serve alongside crusty bread for a light lunch or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal with olives and roasted vegetables. Its freshness complements protein-rich dishes beautifully without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the salad in clear glass jars to showcase the colorful ingredients or serve it on crisp lettuce leaves as individual cups for a party appetizer. You can also pile it atop toasted baguette slices for quick and elegant crostini. The Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad’s flexibility in presentation gives you plenty of room to get creative and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day as cucumbers and avocados tend to release moisture and lose crispness, but it will still taste fresh and delicious if consumed promptly.
Freezing
Since this salad features fresh vegetables and creamy cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor will degrade upon thawing, especially the cucumbers and avocado, which become watery and mushy.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and would spoil the fresh texture. For the best experience, enjoy your Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad right after preparation.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella balls?
Yes, regular mozzarella will work, but fresh mozzarella balls or diced fresh mozzarella provide a softer, creamier texture that’s ideal for this salad. If you use regular mozzarella, cut it into bite-sized cubes for the best effect.
Is there a good substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used. Just add a pinch of honey or sugar to maintain a similar sweet-tangy balance.
How can I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?
To slow avocado browning, prepare it just before serving or toss the pieces lightly in lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. This helps keep the avocado looking fresh and bright.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor. Just be mindful to balance the salad so the original flavors still shine.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
The Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad as is contains cheese, so it’s not vegan. However, you can substitute the mozzarella with a plant-based alternative or marinated tofu to keep the creamy element while making it vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is truly one of those recipes that feels like a breath of fresh air on your plate. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavors that blend effortlessly into a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a stunning addition to your dinner table, this salad is ready to brighten your day and please your palate. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cucumber mozzarella salad featuring fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, avocado, and basil, dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette with garlic and olive oil. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 them well to create an attractive presentation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and combined.
- Dress and Serve the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad’s fresh flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality mozzarella.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch, if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid storing with dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cucumber mozzarella salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, summer salad, quick salad
