Ah, summer! The time of year when everything feels a little brighter, and our cravings shift towards light, refreshing dishes. One of my all-time favorites has to be this cucumber mozzarella salad refreshing summer recipe. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when the heat is on and you want something that feels crisp and cool on your palate. Imagine biting into crunchy cucumbers paired with creamy mozzarella, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed together with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s like a little taste of summer in every bite! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this salad for backyard barbecues or just a relaxing evening on the patio. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser and takes barely any time to put together, leaving you more moments to enjoy the sun. So let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Ingredients List

To make my delicious cucumber mozzarella salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:

2 cups of sliced cucumbers – I love using English cucumbers for their crispness, but any variety works!
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved – Choose colorful ones for a beautiful presentation!
1 cup of mozzarella balls – Fresh mozzarella is key here; it’s so creamy and delightful!
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves – Tear them up a bit to release that amazing aroma.
2 tablespoons of olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness.
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar – It brings a lovely tang that complements the ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this step; it really enhances the flavors!

How to Prepare the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Refreshing Summer Recipe

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and create this vibrant salad that’s guaranteed to brighten up your summer days! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, wash your cucumbers under cool water. I like to give them a little scrub to get rid of any dirt.
Now, let’s slice! Take your cleaned cucumbers and cut them into thin rounds. This helps them soak up all the flavors later. Don’t stress about making them perfect; just keep them about a quarter-inch thick.
Next, grab those lovely cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half, and watch as their juices spill out—yum! This adds such a juicy burst to our salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls. I usually go for the bocconcini size; they’re just the right bite!
Now for the basil! Tear those fresh leaves into smaller pieces and toss them into the bowl. This helps release their amazing fragrance, which is one of my favorite parts.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Be generous but not too heavy; we want to enhance the salad, not drown it!
Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to go light on the salt initially because you can always add more later.
Now comes the fun part—using your hands (or tongs, if you prefer) to toss everything gently. You want all those beautiful ingredients to get acquainted without squishing them!
Once everything’s mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss again, and enjoy this refreshing salad chilled!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time – You can whip this salad together in just 15 minutes!
Incredibly refreshing – It’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer day.
Healthy ingredients – Packed with fresh veggies and wholesome flavors, it’s guilt-free!
Versatile – Throw in extra veggies or herbs to make it your own.
Perfect for gatherings – It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements any summer meal.
No cooking required – Just chop, mix, and chill—easy peasy!

Tips for Success

To make your cucumber mozzarella salad absolutely shine, I’ve got a few pro tips for you! First, always use the freshest ingredients you can find—this really makes a difference in flavor. If you can, opt for local produce during the summer months. Also, don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to mingle and creates a more refreshing experience. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Trust me, it elevates the whole dish.

Variations of the Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Refreshing Summer Recipe

If you’re like me and love to get creative in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate these fun twists on the classic cucumber mozzarella salad! First off, consider adding diced bell peppers for a crunchy sweetness or some sliced red onion for a little zing. If you’re a fan of olives, they can bring a briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some avocado for extra creaminess or even a sprinkle of nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also elevate the dish with a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my cucumber mozzarella salad, you might be curious about the nutrition facts. Here’s a rough estimate for one serving (about 1 cup) of this refreshing dish:

Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 200mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, low-calorie dish that’s packed with flavor. Enjoy guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I make this cucumber mozzarella salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It allows the flavors to blend beautifully!

What type of cucumbers work best for this salad?
I recommend using English cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor. However, any cucumber variety you have on hand will be delicious!

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, or even some black olives for added flavor. This salad is super versatile!

How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick toss before enjoying again!

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Cucumber Mozzarella Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe Delight

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing cucumber mozzarella salad perfect for summer.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups of sliced cucumbers
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of mozzarella balls
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and slice the cucumbers.
Halve the cherry tomatoes.
In a bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
Add fresh basil leaves to the mixture.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve chilled.

Notes

Use fresh mozzarella for the best taste.
Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
Feel free to add other vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cucumber mozzarella salad, refreshing summer recipe

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