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Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

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This easy cucumber mozzarella salad is a fresh, vibrant summer side featuring crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. It comes together in under 20 minutes and is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium, about 1.5 lbs), thinly sliced
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), halved
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 avocado, diced
  • Optional: 1 tbsp capers
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers, tomatoes, and basil.
  2. Slice cucumbers thinly (about 1/8 inch thick), halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Pat all vegetables dry with a paper towel to prevent a watery salad.
  4. Drain and pat dry the mozzarella balls, then halve them (or cut a large ball into 1/2-inch cubes).
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
  8. Stack and thinly slice the basil leaves (chiffonade), then add most to the salad, reserving a few for garnish. Toss gently.
  9. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  10. If desired, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  11. Garnish with reserved basil and serve. Add optional avocado, capers, or crushed red pepper if desired.

Notes

For best results, pat all veggies and mozzarella dry before mixing to prevent a watery salad. Add basil just before serving for the brightest flavor and color. The salad is best served slightly chilled. Optional add-ins like avocado or capers can be included for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber mozzarella salad, summer salad, fresh salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad, picnic side, BBQ side, healthy salad, easy salad, basil salad

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cucumber-mozzarella-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-and-perfect-summer-side/