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Ultimate Cucumber Mozzarella Caprese Salad (With Optional Tomato & Pesto Variations)

Close-up of a fresh cucumber mozzarella salad featuring sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and small mozzarella balls coated in a green herb dressing.
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Create a light, fresh, and satisfying cucumber mozzarella salad that feels like summer on a plate. This recipe blends crisp cucumbers with creamy mozzarella pearls and is perfect as a healthy side dish for BBQs or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into rounds
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), drained
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (optional, for Caprese style)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze for drizzling)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup avocado, diced (optional variation)
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto (optional variation)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer a less watery salad, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then gently pat them dry.
  2. Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, fresh mozzarella pearls, and halved cherry tomatoes (if using).
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. If you are using the optional basil pesto, whisk it into this dressing now.
  4. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and mozzarella mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  5. Add optional avocado: If you are including avocado, gently fold in the diced pieces now to prevent them from breaking apart.
  6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil over the top of the salad. If you are using balsamic glaze instead of vinegar in the dressing, drizzle a little extra glaze over the finished salad for presentation.
  7. Chill briefly: For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the dressing flavors.

Notes

  • For a simple 3-ingredient version, combine cucumber, mozzarella pearls, and a drizzle of olive oil and salt only.
  • This salad works well with avocado mozzarella cucumber combinations for added creaminess.
  • Use high-quality fresh mozzarella balls for the best texture.
  • This makes an excellent low carb cucumber salad option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/cucumber-mozzarella-salad-recipe/