This fresh and colorful salad combines sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tasty mozzarella. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: I recommend using a mix of red and yellow for beautiful color. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes can work well too!
Cucumber: Any cucumber variety is fine, but I like English cucumbers for their crispness and fewer seeds. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini can be a fun alternative.
Avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe! You could substitute it with diced mango for a different twist. Just be aware that mango will add more sweetness.
Red Onion: Sweet onions are a nice substitute if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also use green onions for a fresher taste.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: You can swap these with cubed regular mozzarella or feta cheese for a tangy kick. Just keep in mind that feta has a stronger flavor.
How Do You Make the Salad Get the Right Flavor?
Getting the right flavor in this salad is all about the dressing and how you combine the ingredients. Start by washing and prepping all your veggies. This ensures everything is ready and prevents overmixing.
- Combine all the solid ingredients in a large bowl first. This helps keep each piece intact and makes the salad look great.
- Whisk the olive oil and pesto together in a separate bowl. This method allows the dressing to emulsify, making it smoother.
- Pour the dressing gently over the salad and toss carefully. You want to coat everything without mashing the avocado or mozzarella.
- Season well with salt and pepper. A splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar really brightens the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving allows those flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your fresh salad!
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (use a mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto (or more to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra acidity
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad requires about 10 minutes for prep. If you choose to chill it, allow for an additional 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have a refreshing salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice or chop the cucumber, dice the avocado carefully, and chop the red onion into small pieces. Having everything prepped makes mixing much easier!
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, diced avocado, chopped red onion, and mini mozzarella balls. Gently mix them together to distribute the ingredients evenly without squishing the avocado.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and basil pesto until they’re well combined. This dressing is key to adding flavor to your salad!
4. Toss the Salad:
Pour the basil pesto dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. Go easy on the mixing to keep the avocado and mozzarella intact.
5. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, and if you want an extra zing, splash in some lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. This adds a lovely brightness to the salad!
6. Serve or Chill:
Your salad is ready to enjoy right away, but if you have a bit of time, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully!
This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect on its own or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Tomatoes Instead of Cherry Tomatoes?
Absolutely! You can use diced regular tomatoes, but keep in mind that they may release more juice. Drain excess liquid if needed to keep your salad from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado or want a different taste, try using diced mango for a sweet twist, or cucumber for added crunch. Just know that the flavor profile will change a bit!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, so adding a splash of lemon juice before storing can help maintain its color.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Of course! Feel free to mix in ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to balance flavors so they complement each other well!
