Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

2024-09-02 /Posted byYoga Pit / 7

A spin on classic Caprese, this Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing and healthy addition to your next summer gathering.

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Nothing says summer more than a crisp, refreshing salad. Well, maybe a sangria-like drink like this White Wine & Peaches Cocktail does. But aside from that, I love a summery salad on a sunny day more than anything!

The classic Italian Caprese salad inspired this tomato cucumber mozzarella salad. Supposedly that salad was created to represent Italy. Notice the red, green, and white? Hello there Italian flag! It was also named after the famous, swanky island of Capri. In truth, I have never been to Capri, but we can all enjoy this salad and dream of it. Right? Ok, enough of the history lesson, back to this delicious salad.

Regardless of the inspiration, this tomato cucumber mozzarella salad is perfect for a light lunch or a summer potluck dish. I love having a signature dish that friends look forward to having when they come over or count on me to bring when we get together. For instance, my go-to for summer has always been Refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad or Fresh Corn and Feta Salad with mint vinaigrette. But lately, tomato cucumber mozzarella salad has been my newest favorite and is a real crowd-pleaser. These salads are easy and only take like 15 minutes to prepare. Also, there is no cooking involved. It is great when you bring something to a friend’s house that doesn’t require reheating.

This salad is delish and it seems like even picky eaters enjoy it. Trust me! There is something about how the flavors go together. The tanginess of the tomatoes, the sweetness of the balsamic, and the crisp cucumbers go perfectly with the fresh mozzarella. Not only in flavor but the texture as well. Another thing I like about this salad is you can easily add other veggies or fresh herbs to make it your own. In the past, I have added avocado, roasted red peppers, and even mint (because I was out of basil). Work with what you have!

Is Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Healthy?

Yes! Cucumbers and tomatoes contain potassium and vitamin C. They also help keep you hydrated. I’ll let you know more about that in a minute. Garlic and basil both have natural antioxidants that may help your immune system and protect your cells. I also use extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, so we don’t have hidden sugar and additives that can be found in some salad dressings. This salad is vegetarian-friendly, low in calories, and can be vegan if you leave out the mozzarella.

Delicious Foods Keeping You Hydrated and Healthy

Normally we drink water to hydrate. This is an obvious choice. We also get a good amount of hydration daily from the meals we choose to eat. Tomato cucumber mozzarella salad is a great example of a delicious meal that is good for you and can keep you hydrated. These two fruits/veggies (fruit if you’re a botanist, veggie if you’re a chef) contain 94 – 96 % water. Staying hydrated is essential for your brain, muscles, and cells to function, especially in the summer or hotter climates when we lose hydration through sweat. I’m like a hydration-crazy person and always ask how much water someone has had if they complain about feeling tired or sick. It’s just one more reason to love this salad!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella.

Dress

Whisk together oil, vinegar, and garlic; season.

Toss

Dress the salad and garnish with basil.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

If you are making this salad ahead, I recommend keeping the dressing separate from the salad until you are almost ready to serve it. Just let it marinate for about a half hour to help the flavors meld together. You can store this salad and dressing in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Is this Salad ok for those following a keto or whole30 diet?

Yes, if you make a few adjustments. While the mozzarella is ok for keto, it is off-limits for the Whole30 diet. In either case, make sure you are using sugar-free balsamic vinegar.

Can I use Regular, packaged mozzarella cheese?

While you can use regular mozzarella instead of fresh, I definitely would splurge on the fresh. Fresh mozzarella has a much different texture. It is soft creamy, delicious, and melts in your mouth practically. Ugh, and now I need it. Regular mozzarella is harder than fresh mozzarella and is a bit chewy and saltier.

Serving Suggestions

I may have mentioned that tomato cucumber mozzarella salad is a great summer dish, five times already. But without a doubt, you can serve it anytime! Not only any time of year but also any time of day!

I have served this salad for breakfast alongside eggs, like Gordon Ramsay’s Scrambled Eggs or my fave, Easy Over-Medium Eggs. I would include a side of crusty bread or toast, or go all out with some Buttermilk Waffles to complete your breakfast spread.

If you are having or attending a BBQ, serve tomato cucumber mozzarella salad with Juicy Grilled Chicken or Delicious Grilled Tilapia. For a more traditional take, serve your salad alongside burgers. Try these Cajun Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns or keep it vegetarian with these delicious Black Bean Power Burgers with Avocado Crema. Enjoy!