Dinner

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Name: Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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

ByAva Sinclair July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the pure, sun-kissed flavors of Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. This refreshing dish brings together all the best of summer—vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy fresh mozzarella, and buttery avocado—unified with aromatic basil and a garlicky balsamic dressing. Whether you’re whipping it up for a barbecue, a quick lunch, or simply craving a burst of color on your dinner table, this salad is impossibly easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible to eat. If there’s one salad guaranteed to be a staple all season (and beyond), this is it.

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad lies in its simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. These components complement and balance each other, making every forkful shine in the most delicious way.

Cucumber: Use half an English cucumber, quartered and sliced for delicate crunch and a mellow, refreshing bite.
Cherry Tomatoes: Three cups halved bring a sweet, tangy juiciness that’s incredibly satisfying.
Mozzarella Pearls: Eight ounces of fresh mozzarella pearls (or a cup diced) offer creamy, milky richness—the heart of the salad.
Avocado: One large avocado, diced, gives the salad a buttery, luscious texture and a pop of color.
Fresh Basil: A third of a cup, chopped, adds aromatic, peppery brightness and a touch of elegance.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Three tablespoons lend lushness and help carry the flavors of the dressing.
Balsamic Vinegar: One tablespoon imparts tangy, caramelized depth to the salad’s finish.
Garlic: One clove, minced or pressed, infuses the dressing with sharp, pungent intrigue.
Fine Sea Salt: Half a teaspoon (plus more to taste) enhances every ingredient and draws out their natural flavors.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds the perfect gentle heat and earthiness.

How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Step 1: Mix the Salad Ingredients

Grab your favorite big salad bowl. Toss in the sliced cucumber, colorful cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, diced avocado, and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. The burst of colors alone is enough to make your mouth water! This assembly preps the stage so every bite captures a little bit of everything.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Add the sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, giving everything a good mix until the dressing is beautifully emulsified. This zippy mixture is what takes the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad from simple to truly stunning.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Right before you’re ready to serve, drizzle the luscious dressing over the prepared salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or a big spoon, gently toss everything together—careful not to smash the avocado or mozzarella. The goal is to coat each ingredient in that tangy, garlicky goodness without losing the beautiful chunks.

How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra chopped basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes every bowl of Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad pop. For added color and texture, a sprinkle of microgreens or a handful of toasted pine nuts can add an impressive chef’s touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with a loaf of crusty bread or a platter of prosciutto and melon to keep the Mediterranean feel alive. It’s also fabulous alongside grilled chicken, fish, or just about anything coming off the barbecue. Honestly, it can steal the show as a main course for lunch or work alongside other salads in a vibrant, shareable spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve the Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in halved avocado shells, or layer it in mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation. Mini skewers can transform the ingredients into tasty party bites, or simply serve family style in a large, rustic bowl for a casual yet gorgeous table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. While the avocado may soften and some of the juices will mingle, you’ll still be rewarded with bold, savory flavors—the only thing you might miss is the ultra-fresh “crunch” of day one.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The tomatoes, cucumber, and especially the avocado can turn mushy in the freezer, so it’s best to enjoy everything fresh. If you have extra mozzarella or basil, those freeze far better on their own.

Reheating

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Reheating can cause the cheese to melt and the vegetables to wilt, so if you’ve prepped ahead, simply remove from the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and let it come slightly to room temp before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of pearls?

Absolutely! Simply cut an eight-ounce ball of fresh mozzarella into small, bite-sized cubes. The flavor and creaminess will be just as indulgent as the pearls.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad to help prevent browning. Also, try to add the avocado right before serving to maintain the freshest appearance.

What tomatoes are best for this salad?

Sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes are perfect for Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, but you can easily use grape tomatoes or even heirloom tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be sure they’re nice and juicy!

Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Of course. Swap the mozzarella for diced avocado, use vegan mozzarella, or simply add extra veggies like bell peppers. The salad will still have a gorgeous, mouthwatering mix of flavors.

Can I prep Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in advance?

You can combine the veggies and cheese ahead of time, and whisk the dressing separately. Just wait to dice the avocado and add the dressing right before tossing and serving for the absolute best texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a big, beautiful bowl of Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad—every bite is a sunburst of freshness that beckons you to keep going back for more. Whether you serve it up for friends or indulge solo, this is one unforgettable dish you’ll want on repeat all year long.

Ava Sinclair

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need