This refreshing salad features juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and delightful mozzarella. It’s a bright and colorful dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Who knew salad could be this fun? I love how the creamy avocado adds a smooth touch. Plus, it’s super quick to make—just chop, mix, and enjoy the fresh flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and orange cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness. If you can’t find these, regular diced tomatoes can work, but the texture will be different.
Cucumber: Persian cucumbers are my favorite since they’re thin-skinned and delicious. If you can’t find them, english cucumbers or regular ones will do. Just peel if the skin is tough.
Avocado: Ripe avocados add creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap with diced mango for a fun twist, but it won’t have the same creaminess.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: These give great texture, but cubed regular mozzarella or even feta can work as a substitute if you prefer a different flavor.
Pesto Sauce: I usually stick with basil pesto, but feel free to use sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique flavor. Homemade pesto is also a treat if you’ve got the time!
How Do I Prepare the Vegetables for This Salad?
Preparing the veggies is simple but key to making your salad enjoyable. Here are some easy steps:
- Rinse your cherry tomatoes under cool water and cut them in half for easy eating.
- For the cucumber, slice it into half-moons about ½ inch thick. This helps keep some crunch in your salad.
- When dicing the avocado, cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh before chopping; this keeps it from browning quickly.
- Finely chop red onion for a hint of sharpness, but you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes if you prefer it milder.
Taking a little time with these steps will ensure your salad looks and tastes fantastic!
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Mozzarella
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (a mix of red and orange if possible)
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to enhance dressing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. There’s no cooking involved, so it’s quick and easy! You can let it chill for 15-20 minutes if you want the flavors to meld together even more, making it a perfect dish for a warm day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by giving your cherry tomatoes a good rinse under cool water. Once cleaned, slice them in half and set them aside. Then, take the cucumber and cut it into half-moons; about a half-inch thick works best for that perfect crunch! Next, carefully slice and dice the avocado into cubes. Finally, chop up the red onion finely; if you find it too strong, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to make it milder.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Bowl:
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all your prepared ingredients: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and mini mozzarella balls. This is where the magic starts to happen!
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the pesto sauce all over the salad mixture. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil for added flavor and richness. Don’t worry if you don’t have it; the pesto alone works wonderfully!
4. Toss Gently:
Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are beautifully coated with pesto. Make sure to handle the avocado carefully to prevent it from mashing too much.
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss it lightly one last time to mix in the seasoning. You can serve the salad right away for the freshest flavors, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes if you prefer it cold and refreshing.
Enjoy this vibrant, fresh, and simple salad as a delightful side dish or light meal! It’s perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or just a quick healthy lunch at home.
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap in any veggies you enjoy, such as bell peppers, radishes, or even corn. Just keep the overall balance of flavors in mind!
What Can I Substitute for Pesto?
If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic. Alternatively, a yogurt dressing can add creaminess and tang!
How Do I Prevent Avocado from Browning?
To keep avocado from browning, you can toss it with a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This acidity helps slow down the oxidation process and keeps your salad looking fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days. Note that the avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste great!
