Name: Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 large English cucumber (sliced into half-moons); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 clove garlic (minced); Salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

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Whenever I think of summer, I can’t help but crave a cool, refreshing Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of warm days spent in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors of fresh produce. The combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella is so satisfying, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer. I remember making this salad for my friends during our weekend picnics. Simply tossing these ingredients together and watching their faces light up with delight makes this dish even more special.

The best part? It’s not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to whip up! All you need are a few fresh ingredients and a bit of time to let the flavors meld. This salad is versatile and can be served as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as a refreshing appetizer at gatherings. Whether I’m hitting the beach or hosting a backyard barbecue, the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is my go-to recipe. It’s a dish that celebrates simplicity and freshness, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
8 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Whisk

The Best Thing About This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Freshness at Its Best

One reason I love this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is the freshness of all the ingredients. When you use garden-fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, you’re not just adding flavor; you’re also bringing in a burst of color that elevates the entire dish. The vibrant red and green hues are so inviting!

Easy to Prepare

Another standout feature is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal chopping and mixing required, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you need something quick yet delicious. Just a few simple steps, and you have a gorgeous salad ready to impress your guests!

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad is incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a formal dinner, the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad fits right in. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. You can even customize it with your favorite herbs!

Nutritious and Light

When I’m looking for something healthful, this salad is my go-to. With the crispness of cucumbers and the juicy tomatoes, it’s a low-calorie option that still feels satisfying. The addition of mozzarella provides protein, making it a well-rounded dish.

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who likes to prep meals for the week, this salad is a fantastic choice. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to add the mozzarella and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh!

Seasonal Delight

Lastly, this salad screams summer! It’s the perfect way to utilize all those juicy, ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. Eating it feels like a celebration of the season’s best produce!

Ingredients to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

The magic of the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad lies in its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The combination of the sweet and tangy tomatoes, the crispness of cucumbers, and the creamy texture of mozzarella creates a delightful harmony. Adding a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar further enhances the taste, making it a perfect balance of flavors.

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved – These bite-sized beauties add sweetness and color to the salad.
1 large English cucumber, sliced into half-moons – The refreshing crunch of cucumber is a classic pairing that complements the salad.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed – Creamy and soft, mozzarella adds richness and a wonderful texture.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – This brings a smooth, fruity flavor that ties everything together.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – A touch of acidity that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
1 clove garlic, minced – Adds a hint of zing that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper to taste – Offers a slight kick that rounds out the dish.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped – The aromatic herb that brings a burst of freshness.

Cooking Method for Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Making the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is an enjoyable process that requires minimal effort. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, refreshing salad in no time. Let’s get started!

In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella cheese. When mixing these ingredients, look for the vibrant colors to blend beautifully. The sweet tomatoes should shine against the green of the cucumber, while the mozzarella adds a creamy white contrast.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic to create the dressing. Aim for a smooth consistency, blending the ingredients well to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed. The aroma should be inviting, with a balance of richness from the oil and tartness from the vinegar.
Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a little and adjust as needed. You want to enhance the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. This is where the magic happens! Watch as the dressing coats each piece, transforming the salad into something extraordinary.
Gently toss everything to coat evenly. Use a spatula or large spoon to lift from the bottom, ensuring you don’t crush the mozzarella. The key here is to be gentle, keeping the integrity of each ingredient.
Finally, sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and fragrant aroma, making the salad even more inviting.
Serve immediately, or allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. You’ll notice that the basil aroma intensifies, making the salad even more refreshing.

Things Worth Knowing

Use ripe ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes and cucumbers matters immensely. Choose ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor.
Make it ahead: This salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just add the mozzarella shortly before serving to maintain its freshness.
Try variations: Consider adding ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even avocado for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Dress wisely: If you prefer a lighter version, use less dressing or serve it on the side.
Presentation is key: Arrange the salad in a beautiful bowl to enhance visual appeal, making it perfect for gatherings.

Making Adjustments

Adjusting the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad to suit your taste is easy. Here are some tips to make it your own!

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best consumed fresh, but it can last for up to two days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the vegetables will change once thawed.
Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, providing a light and refreshing contrast.
Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding chickpeas or grilled shrimp to boost protein content.
Flavor boost: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing and brightness to the salad.
Herb variations: Feel free to swap out the basil for other herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a different flavor profile.

Serving Options for Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

When it comes to serving the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Picnic Perfection: This salad is perfect for outdoor picnics. Pack it in a cooler, and enjoy it with your favorite sandwiches.
Lunch Delight: Serve it as a light lunch paired with whole-grain bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Side Dish: It makes an excellent side dish for barbecues, complementing grilled meats beautifully without overpowering them.
Brunch Favorite: Consider serving it at brunch gatherings as a refreshing option alongside frittatas or quiches.
Seasonal Celebrations: During summer gatherings or holidays, this salad adds a fresh, colorful touch to your table.
Easy Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container; they’ll be good for a day or two in the fridge but best enjoyed fresh.

FAQ

The Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad stands out due to its incredibly fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and the delightful combination of flavors. Each ingredient, from the sweet tomatoes to the crunchy cucumbers and creamy mozzarella, contributes to a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and light. It’s a perfect choice for warm weather and can easily be adapted to suit your personal taste.

Absolutely! You can prepare the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad a few hours ahead of serving. I recommend keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the mozzarella. This way, the salad remains fresh and enjoyable for everyone.

There are plenty of ways to customize your Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad! You can add ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even avocados for a twist. For a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling in some nuts or seeds. You might also change the herbs, swapping basil for parsley or mint to give it a different flavor profile.

Yes, the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian as well. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply omit the mozzarella and consider adding other plant-based proteins or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Conclusion

The Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that perfectly embodies the essence of summer. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic choice for any meal or gathering. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the burst of flavor that comes with each bite. Whether as a light lunch or a delightful side, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy!