Name: Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 basil leaves; 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a light side. Combining crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s dressed with a simple garlic balsamic vinaigrette that brings everything together beautifully.

A white bowl filled with five distinct layers arranged side by side: bright green round cucumber slices on the bottom left, topped with a small green basil leaf; next to that, a cluster of smooth white mozzarella balls sprinkled with black pepper; in the center right, shiny red grape tomatoes; above the tomatoes, diced pale green avocado cubes sprinkled lightly; and on the top left, halved red cherry tomatoes glistening with moisture. Another green basil leaf rests on top near the avocado. The bowl is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 basil leaves
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

Step 1: Place the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped basil leaves into a large serving bowl. Arrange the ingredients evenly for an appealing look.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors at their best.

Tips & Variations

Use burrata cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Substitute fresh lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a brighter, tangier dressing.
Keep the avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients. Leftovers are best eaten cold but avoid reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with fresh food items arranged in sections: bright red cherry tomatoes packed tightly on the top left and right sides, smooth white mozzarella balls in the center with a light drizzle of olive oil and black pepper on top, sliced green cucumber pieces lined on the bottom left, and sliced avocado pieces with a creamy light green color and sprinkled black pepper on the top right. A few fresh green basil leaves peek from the right edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare the salad ingredients ahead but toss with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the avocado from browning.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh mozzarella balls?

You can use diced fresh mozzarella or even sliced mozzarella cheese as a substitute, though fresh mozzarella balls are preferred for their texture and size.