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Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad – A Fresh, Vibrant Summer Salad Bursting with Mediterranean Flavors

Fresh, crisp, and beautifully colorful—this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is everything you want in a summer side dish. It’s made with juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed together in a zesty olive oil vinaigrette. This salad is not only easy and quick, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at dinner parties and casual enough for picnics and BBQs. Perfect for warm-weather days or when you're craving something light and refreshing, this salad celebrates the natural flavors of fresh produce and can be whipped up in just minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Produce
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 large cucumber sliced or diced
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves torn (about ½ cup)
Dairy
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls ciliegine, halved
  • Or 1 cup diced fresh mozzarella
Pantry
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup for slight sweetness

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk or fork (for vinaigrette)
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Salad tongs or serving spoon

Method
 

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Halve 2 cups cherry tomatoes.
  2. Slice or dice 1 large cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Thinly slice 1/4 red onion.
  4. Tear a handful of fresh basil leaves (about ½ cup).
Step 2. Combine Ingredients in Bowl
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  2. Tomatoes
  3. Cucumber
  4. Onion
  5. Mozzarella balls (halved or diced)
  6. Fresh basil
Step 3. Make the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
  2. 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  3. 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  4. 1/2 tsp sea salt
  5. 1/4 tsp black pepper
  6. Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Step 4. Toss and Chill
  1. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
  2. Gently toss with salad tongs or a spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Chill for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld (optional, but enhances taste).
Step 5. Serve
  1. Serve immediately as a light appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with crusty bread.
  2. Garnish with more fresh basil or an extra drizzle of balsamic if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Note: This salad is best eaten fresh, as tomatoes and cucumbers can become watery over time.
Do not freeze.
To refresh: Add a few new basil leaves or a quick splash of vinegar before serving leftovers.
🥄 Variations
Avocado Twist: Add 1 diced avocado for creaminess.
Grain Bowl: Toss salad over cooked quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal.
Caprese Style: Swap cucumber for more tomatoes and use thick-sliced mozzarella.
Mediterranean Vibes: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta instead of mozzarella.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for a full meal.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry?
Yes! Grape tomatoes work just as well and hold their shape nicely.
2. Is English cucumber better than regular?
English cucumbers have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them ideal. But any cucumber will work.
3. Can I use bottled dressing?
Yes, but a fresh vinaigrette really enhances the salad’s freshness and flavor.
4. What’s the best mozzarella to use?
Ciliegine (small mozzarella balls) are great for presentation, but diced fresh mozzarella works too.
5. Can I prep this salad ahead?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 4 hours in advance, but toss with dressing and basil just before serving.
6. How do I keep basil fresh in the salad?
Add basil last and don’t chill it too long—it can darken with too much exposure to moisture.
7. Is it okay to skip onions?
Absolutely. Red onions add a little bite, but the salad is still delicious without them.
8. How do I keep cucumbers from releasing water?
You can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before mixing.
9. Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes! Red wine vinegar, white balsamic, or even apple cider vinegar work well.
10. Can I turn this into a main dish?
Definitely—serve with grilled chicken, salmon, or over a bed of greens or grains.
🏁 Conclusion
This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is the perfect side or light meal when you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. It’s a celebration of garden ingredients and Mediterranean simplicity—ideal for summer potlucks, lunch on the patio, or as a healthy weeknight side. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite!