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Fresh Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

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This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a light and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy mozzarella for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 English cucumber (quartered lengthwise and sliced)
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella cheese)
  • 1 large avocado (diced)
  • 1/3 cup basil leaves (chopped)
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove (peeled and pressed or grated)
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Quarter the English cucumber lengthwise, then slice it into thin half-moons. Aim for approximately 1/4 inch thick slices for a good crunch. This should take about 3 minutes.
  2. Next, rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Using a sharp knife, cut each tomato in half; they should be bright and firm. This step will take around 2 minutes.
  3. In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes. Take a moment to enjoy the vibrant colors; this visual cue indicates freshness.
  4. Add the fresh mozzarella pearls to the bowl. If using a block of mozzarella, dice it into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size, to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Dice the avocado carefully. Cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into the bowl. You want the avocado to be ripe but still firm to prevent it from becoming mushy. This should take about 3 minutes.
  6. Chop the basil leaves into thin strips, known as chiffonade. This should take about 1 minute. The aroma of fresh basil will enhance your anticipation of the salad.
  7. In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pressed or grated garlic, fine sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well combined, which should take about 1 minute.
  8. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated without squishing the avocado. This step should be done just before serving to maintain freshness, taking around 1 minute.
  9. Serve immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld. Enjoy the colorful presentation and the fresh aroma!

Nutrition

Keywords: One common mistake is over-dressing the salad. Start with half of the dressing, toss, and taste before adding more. This prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy. For the best flavor, let the salad rest for about 5-10 minutes after tossing with the dressing.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/fresh-tomato-cucumber-mozzarella-salad-recipe-for-summer-bliss/