Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Recipe

If there’s one dish that captures the essence of summer on a single, sparkling platter, it’s a Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, crisp cucumber, and a lively balsamic-oregano dressing, it’s a salad that feels as vibrant as a sun-drenched garden. Quick to toss together and always crowd-pleasing, this is the salad I find myself craving any day the temps start rising—or really, whenever I need a hit of something fresh and bright.

Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad is all about letting simple ingredients shine, each one bringing its own unique flavor, texture, and color to the table. Don’t skip the fresh basil if you have it on hand—it elevates everything!

  • Olive oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity foundation to your dressing.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic gives the salad its signature tangy-sweet zing—just a splash makes all the difference.
  • Dried oregano: Lends a Mediterranean aroma and earthiness that pairs beautifully with tomatoes.
  • Dried basil: Boosts the flavor and adds another layer of herbal depth, especially if you don’t have fresh basil.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to lift all the natural flavors.
  • Pepper: Sharp black pepper balances the sweet/savory notes in every bite.
  • Cucumber: Peeled, fork-scored, then diced for cool crunch and stunning visual appeal.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Choose sweet-ripe tomatoes for juicy flavor and eye-catching color.
  • Fresh mozzarella: Go for pearl-sized balls or cut a large mozzarella into bites—both add rich, creamy texture.
  • Red onion: Chopped small for a little pop of color and a mellow, sweet bite.
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves: Torn and sprinkled on top, they add fragrance and a lovely green finishing touch.

How to Make Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Begin by whisking together your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This herby, tangy marinade is what transforms ordinary vegetables into something unforgettable. Set aside for a few minutes to let those flavors gently mingle while you get everything else ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Take your cucumber, peel it, and use a fork to lightly score grooves along the outer skin. This not only makes for a pretty pattern but adds subtle texture. Slice it thinly, then dice the pieces small—it helps every bite get a bit of everything. Place the cucumber into a medium bowl, the base of your Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic adventure.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Onion

Quarter your cherry tomatoes (you can go even smaller if some are jumbo) and add them to the bowl with the cucumber. Chop up half a red onion into small, even pieces for a mild, punchy sweetness and scatter them in. If you’re not big on raw onion, feel free to use less or leave it out altogether.

Step 4: Add the Mozzarella

Whether you’re using mozzarella pearls or slicing a log of fresh mozzarella into bite-sized cubes, add these creamy gems to your vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine—fresh mozzarella is delicate and you want it to soak up the dressing without losing its gorgeous texture.

Step 5: Combine and Marinate

Drizzle your tangy, aromatic marinade all over the salad ingredients. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece is glistening with that flavorful balsamic-oil dressing. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature—this brief marination time allows the fresh flavors to really shine and mingle. Right before serving, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top for an extra pop of aroma and color.

How to Serve Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic

Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The simplest touch—plenty of fresh basil leaves—might be all you need, but don’t be afraid to get creative. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a crack of black pepper can add a bit of flair. For even more color, consider a light dusting of freshly grated lemon zest or a drizzle of thick, syrupy balsamic glaze right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic shines next to grilled meats, crusty bread, or simple pastas. Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a balanced summer meal, or serve beside focaccia and a bowl of olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread. It’s delightfully versatile and will happily share the table with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For individual servings, layer the salad in clear glasses or small jars for a stunning starter. You can also skewer the ingredients on toothpicks for easy party bites, drizzling with marinade right before passing them around. Or, create bold, beautiful platters topped with extra basil leaves and some edible flowers—it’s a guaranteed showstopper at any picnic or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, though you may notice the mozzarella and veggies softening a bit as they absorb more of the dressing—still delicious, just a bit more marinated!

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well, as the fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella don’t appreciate the cold. Freezing will change their textures drastically, making them mushy and watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of making.

Reheating

Luckily, there’s no real need to reheat this salad, as it’s meant to be served cool or at room temperature. If you find it has been chilled in the fridge, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before enjoying so the flavors can become vibrant again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tomato?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are sweet and convenient, feel free to use grape tomatoes, heirloom varieties, or even diced garden tomatoes. What matters is juiciness and ripeness for the best burst of flavor.

What’s the best way to cut the cucumber for this salad?

Peeling the cucumber, then lightly scoring it with a fork, is a great trick for texture. Thinly slice and dice it to bitesize pieces so you get a forkful of everything. English cucumbers are great as they’re seedless and crisp, but any firm cucumber will work beautifully.

Can I add protein to make this salad a meal?

Definitely! Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even canned chickpeas for a protein boost. The Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic easily adapts to become a light main course with the addition of a favorite protein.

Is there a vegan alternative for mozzarella?

If you’d like to make it vegan, there are some delicious dairy-free mozzarella alternatives made with cashews or coconut available at many grocery stores. Alternatively, try using cubes of avocado for a creamy texture that holds dressing well.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Yes—you can whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, and basil a day ahead and refrigerate. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad to be sure the herbs are distributed nicely.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, there’s nothing quite like a Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic. It’s endlessly adaptable and always a hit with guests—so go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bite of garden-fresh goodness today!

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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Recipe

Fresh Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic marinade. Perfect for a light and summery meal or as a side dish for any occasion.

  • Author: moretti
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch pepper

Salad:

  • 1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, thinly sliced, and then diced
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or pearl-sized balls
  • ½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Set aside to meld flavors.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables – Peel, score, slice, and dice the cucumber. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Onion – Quarter cherry tomatoes, add to bowl. Chop red onion, add to the same bowl.
  4. Add the Mozzarella – Cut mozzarella into pieces or use balls. Add to the vegetable mixture.
  5. Combine and Marinate – Pour marinade over the salad, mix well. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cucumber Tomato Mozzarella Salad, Balsamic Salad, Summer Salad Recipe

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