Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

This vibrant and refreshing salad combines the crispness of cucumbers, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing. It’s ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or a light, healthy lunch. Fresh basil adds an aromatic depth that makes every bite burst with flavor.

Ingredients

1/2 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella)
1 large avocado, diced
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and chopped basil.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Combine and Toss:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy fresh as a flavorful side or a light standalone meal.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: ~125 kcal
Protein: 6.6 g
Carbohydrates: 4.8 g
Fat: 9.5 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 3.4 mg
Sodium: 143.1 mg
Potassium: 400 mg
Fiber: 1.2 g
Sugar: 2.8 g

Flavor and Texture Profile

One of the key reasons this salad is so enjoyable lies in its perfect balance of textures and tastes:

Juicy cherry tomatoes burst with natural sweetness and acidity.
Crisp cucumbers provide a cooling crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of other ingredients.
Mozzarella pearls lend a creamy, slightly tangy richness that rounds out the flavors.
Avocado adds a velvety texture and healthy fats, making each bite more satisfying.
Fresh basil infuses an herbal brightness that ties all the components together.
Balsamic vinaigrette, with its tangy, slightly sweet notes, complements and elevates all the ingredients without overpowering them.

The resulting salad is light but layered, refreshing but fulfilling—a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly dynamic dish.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

While taste and texture are essential, the health benefits of this salad make it even more appealing. It offers a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that support overall wellness:

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Cucumbers provide hydration and contain vitamins K and C, which are essential for bone health and immune support.
Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels while offering fiber, potassium, and folate.
Mozzarella, when enjoyed in moderation, is a good source of calcium and protein.
Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, provides heart-healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties.

This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for vegetarian diets with no compromise in flavor. It’s also low in carbohydrates and sugars, making it a smart option for those following a low-carb or keto-leaning lifestyle, especially when portioned thoughtfully.

Versatility in Meal Planning

Another standout feature of the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is its versatility. It’s a dish that works beautifully in many different contexts:

As a Side Dish: It’s a perfect complement to grilled meats, seafood, or even pasta. Think grilled chicken breast, salmon, or even skewers of marinated shrimp.
As a Main Meal: Add grilled tofu, chickpeas, or sliced grilled chicken to boost protein and make it a hearty main course.
In Lunchboxes or Meal Preps: While best served fresh, the salad can be prepped in advance (minus the avocado and dressing) and stored for a couple of days.
In Picnic Baskets or Potlucks: Easy to transport and universally liked, this salad is ideal for sharing at summer events.
As a Low-Effort Entertaining Dish: It looks elegant on any table, even with minimal effort.

It’s flexible enough to allow substitutions based on what’s available. Don’t have mozzarella pearls? Use diced fresh mozzarella or bocconcini. No balsamic on hand? Lemon juice or a red wine vinaigrette can also work. Want to add more color or texture? Try thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even quinoa for extra fiber and protein.

Tips for the Perfect Salad

Even a simple dish like this can be elevated with a few thoughtful tips:

Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes. Since they’re a key flavor component, their sweetness and acidity should be just right.
Choose a ripe avocado. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure—too hard and it’s under-ripe, too soft and it may be overripe.
Fresh basil is essential. Dried won’t do the trick here. Tear basil by hand instead of chopping to prevent bruising.
Dress it just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and prevents sogginess.
Season properly. A pinch more salt or a crack of fresh pepper can really enhance the overall flavor.

Diet-Friendly and Allergen Considerate

With so many people adopting varied dietary lifestyles, it’s helpful to have dishes that cater to diverse needs. This salad is:

Gluten-Free: No grains or gluten-containing ingredients.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains dairy, but no meat or animal byproducts beyond cheese.
Keto-Compatible: Low in carbohydrates and sugar, particularly if avocado portions are adjusted.
Customizable for Dairy-Free Diets: Omit the mozzarella and replace it with marinated tofu or avocado chunks for a dairy-free version.

Culinary Creativity Encouraged

One of the joys of this salad is how easily it adapts to your personal taste or pantry. Here are some ways you can experiment:

Add olives or capers for a briny kick.
Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Mix in greens like arugula or spinach to bulk it up.
Try heirloom tomatoes for more color and variety in flavor.

Conclusion

The Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a celebration of simplicity done right. It’s a dish that relies on freshness, balance, and thoughtful pairing of ingredients to deliver something greater than the sum of its parts. As more people embrace wholesome, plant-forward eating, salads like this one prove that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or boring.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, eat lighter in the warmer months, or just enjoy something that’s both nourishing and quick to make, this salad checks all the boxes. Bright, refreshing, and satisfying — it deserves a spot in every home cook’s summer rotation.

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