Capture the essence of summer in a bowl with this incredibly vibrant and refreshing Tomato/Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto! This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients, combining juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, tender mozzarella, and the aromatic punch of basil pesto. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, light lunches, or as a stunning accompaniment to any meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Tomato/Cucumber Salad is my go-to for summer freshness, and I absolutely adore it for its burst of flavor and incredible texture medley! What I love most is how the juicy cherry tomatoes (both red and yellow for visual appeal!) and crisp cucumber provide a refreshing base. The thin slices of red onion add a subtle bite, while the creamy richness of diced avocado and the tender chewiness of fresh mozzarella balls elevate it to something truly special. But the star is that vibrant basil pesto dressing, perfectly balanced with olive oil and balsamic vinegar – it ties all the flavors together in a fragrant, irresistible way. It’s quick to assemble, looks stunning on any table, and tastes like pure summer sunshine!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Tomato/Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto:
- 1 pint red cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (English or regular, peeled if desired)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, ripe, diced
- 1 cup fresh small mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), drained
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Cherry Tomatoes: Using a mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes adds beautiful color. Grape tomatoes also work.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are often preferred as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, but any fresh cucumber works. Peel if the skin is thick or bitter.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a nice pungent bite. If you find it too strong, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes then drain before adding.
- Avocado: Ensure the avocado is ripe but still firm enough to dice without becoming mushy.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Bocconcini (small balls) or ciliegine (smaller pearls) are perfect. Fresh mozzarella is key for the tender texture.
- Basil Pesto: A good quality store-bought basil pesto is convenient. Homemade pesto will offer the freshest flavor.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar: Use good quality products as their flavor will be prominent in the dressing.
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves not only look beautiful but also add a wonderful aromatic touch.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Tomato/Cucumber Salad assembled!
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved 1 pint red cherry tomatoes, halved 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, 1 thinly sliced cucumber, and 1 thinly sliced small red onion.
- Add Creamy Elements: Gently fold in the 1 diced avocado and 1 cup fresh small mozzarella balls. Be careful when mixing the avocado to keep its shape.
- Whisk Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup basil pesto, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste until well combined and smooth.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared pesto dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything gently to coat all the vegetables, avocado, and mozzarella evenly with the dressing.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Tips for Success
- Ripe Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe, and firm vegetables and fruit for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are well-chilled before assembling for a refreshing salad.
- Slice Evenly: Consistent slicing of cucumber and onion ensures even distribution of flavor and a pleasant bite.
- Gentle Mixing: Avocado and mozzarella are delicate; toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado or breaking the cheese balls.
- Dress Just Before Serving: For the freshest taste and texture, especially with avocado, dress the salad right before serving. If making ahead, you can assemble the salad (without avocado) and make the dressing separately, then combine just before serving. Add avocado last.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Tomato/Cucumber Salad is a fantastic side dish or a light main course, perfect for:
- Grilled Meats/Fish: A refreshing counterpoint to grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- Picnics & BBQs: A vibrant and easy-to-serve summer salad.
- Potlucks: Always a popular choice due to its fresh flavors and appealing colors.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy a larger portion on its own for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- With Italian Dishes: Complements pasta dishes, pizzas, or even our This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way To Impress Guests.
- For other fresh and vibrant salads, consider our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight).
Storage and Leftover Tips
This salad is best consumed fresh, especially due to the avocado.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown slightly, and the vegetables may soften. You can try pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure.
- Make Ahead (Partial): To prepare ahead, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and mozzarella. Prepare the dressing in a separate container. Add the diced avocado and combine with the dressing and main salad just before serving.
- Freezing: This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh vegetables, avocado, and mozzarella will all change texture dramatically upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the fresh, vibrant, and easy nature of this salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that embrace wholesome ingredients and bright flavors:
- For another easy and delicious main dish that uses fresh tomatoes, check out our This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing meals, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast are a winner.
- And for a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
This Tomato/Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto recipe is a brilliant celebration of fresh, simple ingredients, creating a truly vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, promising a bowl full of refreshing goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let this delightful salad become your new warm-weather favorite! What’s your go-to fresh summer salad combination? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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