Introduction

This easy cucumber mozzarella salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a light side. Combining creamy avocado, fresh mozzarella, and crisp cucumber with a tangy balsamic dressing makes for a simple yet flavorful meal.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three main layers: bright red cherry tomato halves scattered throughout, small smooth white mozzarella balls evenly mixed in, and crisp green cucumber pieces along with chunks of light green avocado all combined with small bits of chopped green herbs, light dressing, and sprinkled black pepper, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large avocado, diced (ripe but firm)
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls, drained
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced very fine
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Place the cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, diced avocado, and chopped basil into a serving bowl. Arrange the ingredients nicely for an inviting presentation.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is fully emulsified.
Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.

Tips & Variations

Use a ripe but firm avocado to maintain texture and avoid mushiness.
Swap balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy twist.
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
For a herb variation, try fresh mint or oregano instead of basil.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because avocado and fresh mozzarella can soften or discolor, it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. If needed, toss gently before serving again. Avoid reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of multiple layers of chopped ingredients. The base layer consists of bright green cucumber pieces cut into small chunks. Mixed evenly throughout are halved cherry tomatoes showing their juicy red interiors. Scattered among the vegetables are small white mozzarella balls, some dotted lightly with black pepper. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top and mixed in, adding a leafy texture and vibrant color. The whole salad has a light sheen of dressing that makes the colors look fresh and appetizing. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a couple of red tomatoes sit blurred in the background. 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 and dress the salad just before serving to preserve freshness and texture, especially to prevent the avocado from browning and the mozzarella from becoming soggy.

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

You can use a regular fresh mozzarella ball cut into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bocconcini or fior di latte work well in this salad.

Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 663 reviews

A fresh and vibrant cucumber mozzarella salad featuring cherry tomatoes, ripe avocado, and fresh basil, tossed in a simple homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish to complement any meal.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large avocado, diced (ripe but firm)
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls, drained

Dressing Ingredients

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced very fine
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Assemble the Salad Ingredients: Begin by placing all the fresh salad ingredients into a serving bowl. Add the peeled and diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and chopped fresh basil. Arrange them nicely in the bowl to create an attractive presentation.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk continuously until the dressing is emulsified and all the flavors are well combined.
Dress and Serve the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure every component is coated with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

For best texture, choose an avocado that is ripe yet firm to avoid mushiness in the salad.
Use fresh mozzarella pearls for even distribution of cheese throughout the salad.
Prepare the dressing just before serving to maintain brightness and prevent the salad from wilting.
If you prefer, substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar for a different tangy note.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well due to the avocado.

Keywords: cucumber salad, mozzarella salad, avocado salad, cherry tomato salad, fresh basil, balsamic dressing, easy salad recipe, vegetarian salad