This refreshing salad mixes juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and soft mozzarella. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or side, full of color and flavor!
Sometimes I just toss in extra mozzarella because who can resist cheese? 😊 It’s super easy to whip up and makes any meal feel special. Enjoy it with your favorite dressing or just a sprinkle of salt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for a pop of color. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Cucumber: A medium cucumber adds great crunch. English cucumbers are a good choice since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you can’t find cucumbers, try using zucchini instead!
Avocado: A ripe avocado brings richness to the salad. If avocados aren’t ripe, you can substitute with diced mango for a sweet twist or omit them for a lighter salad.
Red Onion: Red onion gives a nice bite. If it’s too strong for your taste, shallots or green onions work well, or you could use sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: Bocconcini adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, consider using cubed tofu or skipping the cheese altogether! Fresh feta or goat cheese also makes a great substitution.
How Do I Toss the Salad Without Squishing the Ingredients?
Mixing the salad gently is key to keeping your ingredients intact. Here’s how to do it well:
- Use a large bowl to give yourself space to work.
- Instead of stirring vigorously, use a folding motion. Slide a spatula under the ingredients and gently lift them, turning them over as you go.
- This way, everything gets coated with dressing without mashing your avocado or mozzarella.
Remember, you want everything to stay fresh and crisp, so take your time with this step! Enjoy your salad beautifully presented and bursting with flavors.
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red and yellow for color)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced or diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if pesto isn’t oily enough)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved! If you choose to chill it in the refrigerator, add an extra 15-20 minutes to let the flavors mix beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by washing all your fresh ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes carefully, slice or dice the cucumber, dice the avocado, and chop the red onion into small pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect—just aim for even sizes so they mix well!
2. Mixing It Up:
In a large salad bowl, gently combine the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and mini mozzarella balls. This is where the magic begins!
3. Adding the Dressing:
Now, add the fresh basil pesto to the bowl. If your pesto is on the thicker side, feel free to mix it with olive oil first to create a lighter dressing. This will help it coat the salad evenly!
4. Tossing the Salad:
With a gentle touch, toss everything together so that each ingredient gets a nice coat of the pesto dressing. Be careful not to squish the ingredients, especially the avocado and mozzarella!
5. Seasoning:
Season your colorful salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. A little bit of seasoning goes a long way to enhance all those fresh flavors!
6. Serving:
For the best experience, serve your salad immediately. Or you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy this delightful salad as a side dish or a light, refreshing meal! It’s perfect for gatherings or just a sunny day at home.
FAQ for Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mini mozzarella balls are delicious, feel free to use feta cheese, goat cheese, or even diced cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your preference!
How Do I Keep the Avocado From Browning?
To prevent browning, serve the salad immediately after preparation. If you must prepare it in advance, try tossing the avocado in a bit of lemon or lime juice before mixing it in. This will help retain its vibrant green color!
Can I Substitute the Pesto?
Yes, you can substitute the pesto with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a lighter option. You could also use a different dressing, such as Italian or balsamic vinaigrette, if you prefer.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, but the salad will still taste fresh!
