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Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

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This easy cucumber mozzarella salad is a healthy, refreshing side dish featuring crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a light lunch, it’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls, drained (or 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed, torn or julienned
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice)
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives (sliced), lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss. Set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. Blot cucumbers with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove moisture. Gently squeeze if especially wet.
  4. While cucumbers drain, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and tear or julienne basil leaves. Drain mozzarella pearls or cut mozzarella into cubes if needed.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained cucumbers, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour dressing over top.
  7. Toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs until well coated, being careful not to crush the mozzarella.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes. Add lemon zest if desired.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl, garnish with extra basil, and serve immediately. If prepping ahead, add basil just before serving.

Notes

For best texture, don’t skip salting and draining the cucumbers. Use the freshest mozzarella and basil you can find. If making ahead, keep components separate and combine just before serving. Add-ins like olives, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes can boost flavor. For dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella. Serve chilled for maximum freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber mozzarella salad, healthy side dish, summer salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad, easy salad recipe, basil, mozzarella pearls, potluck salad, BBQ side

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cucumber-mozzarella-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-side-dish-idea/