This colorful salad mixes juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and fresh mozzarella. It’s refreshing and perfect for warm days or as a side for dinner!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just chop everything up, toss it together, and enjoy. I love adding a squeeze of lemon for a zesty touch. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: Ruby-red or vibrant orange cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness to this salad. If you’re out of cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work well as a substitute.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads. If unavailable, regular cucumbers are fine; just peel them if desired.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: Known as bocconcini, these add creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, try using part-skim mozzarella or feta cheese for a tangy twist.
Avocado: Ripe avocados provide creamy texture. If they aren’t available, you can replace it with diced mango for a fruity flavor or simply omit it.
Basil Pesto: This dressing enhances the salad’s flavor. For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast and fresh basil. Alternatively, make a simple olive oil and lemon dressing if needed.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Diced Ingredients?
Chopping fruits and vegetables can make or break your salad! For uniformity:
- Start with a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
- Dice the cucumber, avocado, and red onion into similar sizes so everything mixes well and looks appealing.
- For cherry tomatoes, halve them gently to avoid squashing; a serrated knife helps with this.
With practice, you’ll become faster and more precise. Enjoy this fresh salad made with love and precision!
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and orange if available)
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced (preferably English or seedless cucumber)
- 1 cup fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved, just some chopping and mixing! You can serve it right away or let it chill for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Begin by washing all your fresh produce. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large bowl. Slice the cucumber into rounds and add it to the tomatoes. Next, dice the avocado and chopped red onion, and gently add both to the mix. Add the fresh mini mozzarella balls for a delightful cheesy touch.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto, olive oil, and lemon juice (or white wine vinegar) until the mixture is smooth. This dressing will bring all the salad components together and add a burst of flavor.
3. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado or mozzarella while mixing!
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Taste a bit and adjust the seasoning if needed. This will enhance all the fresh flavors!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness. If you’d like, you can chill it for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld. This salad is perfect as a light meal or as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. Enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance! Just chop all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and dress the salad right before serving to keep the avocado from browning and the ingredients fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Mozzarella Balls?
If you don’t have mini mozzarella balls, you can use diced fresh mozzarella or even feta cheese for a tangy twist. Goat cheese also works well if you prefer a creamier texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the avocado may brown slightly. To minimize this, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice on the avocado before storing it.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even corn for a different crunch and flavor. Just remember to maintain the balance of fresh ingredients for a delicious salad!
