Dessert

Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil; 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes; 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced; 1 large ripe but firm avocado, diced; 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls, drained; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 garlic clove, minced very fine; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

ByNaomi Fletcher February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

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Introduction

Cucumber and mozzarella salad is a wonderfully fresh and easy dish that combines crisp cucumber slices with creamy mozzarella and a light herb dressing. This Italian-inspired salad is perfect as a refreshing side for warm days or casual dinners.

A close-up view of a fresh salad in a white bowl with a brown rim, set against a white marbled texture. The base layer is dark green leafy lettuce, topped with halved bright red cherry tomatoes, medium green avocado chunks with a creamy texture, and white round mozzarella balls. Thin, translucent purple onion slices are mixed throughout. A rich, dark brown dressing is being poured over the salad from a glass container, visible in the top right corner. The ingredients look fresh, juicy, and well-seasoned with black pepper scattered on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
1 large diced avocado, ripe but firm
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls, drained
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced very fine
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Step 1: Place the fresh ingredients—sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and basil leaves—into a serving bowl. Arrange them nicely for an appealing presentation.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
Step 3: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients to evenly coat them with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Tips & Variations

Pat cucumber slices dry with paper towels to avoid a watery salad.
Add avocado last to prevent browning and maintain creamy texture.
Use fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) for convenience or dice a regular fresh mozzarella ball.
Substitute cherry tomatoes with roma or regular tomatoes cut into chunks.
Swap balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or white balsamic; add a pinch of sugar if using stronger vinegar.
Try fresh oregano or Italian herb blend if basil isn’t available; adjust quantities accordingly.
Skip avocado or replace with black olives for a different creamy element.

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Expect some cucumber moisture release and slight browning of avocado. For leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with a fresh salad showing three main layers: the bottom layer is deep green leafy lettuce, the middle layer has bright green avocado chunks and thin purple onion slices, and the top layer contains red cherry tomato halves and small white mozzarella balls. A dark brown dressing is being poured over the salad from a clear glass container, adding a shiny texture on top of the ingredients. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of mozzarella should I use?

Use fresh mozzarella pearls or small balls packed in water for the best texture and flavor. Avoid low-moisture block mozzarella as it is too firm and lacks the creamy freshness for this salad.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can chop most ingredients ahead except for the avocado, which should be added just before serving to keep it fresh and green. Store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.