Looking for a light, refreshing, and easy salad? This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad combines crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and a simple dressing for a dish that’s perfect for hot days, quick lunches, or a side for dinner. It’s healthy, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
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Fresh & Crunchy: Crisp cucumbers pair beautifully with soft mozzarella.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
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Light & Healthy: Low in calories, full of hydration, and packed with vitamins.
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Versatile: Can be served as a side, appetizer, or light meal.
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Beautiful Presentation: Perfect for Instagram, Pinterest, or entertaining.
Ingredients
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2–3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) or cubed mozzarella
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: Cherry tomatoes for color, or a sprinkle of pine nuts for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
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Wash and thinly slice cucumbers.
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Drain mozzarella balls and cut into halves if large.
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Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
2. Combine in a Bowl
In a large salad bowl, gently mix:
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Cucumbers
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Mozzarella
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Basil
3. Dress the Salad
Drizzle with:
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Extra virgin olive oil
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Balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Optional: Add cherry tomatoes or pine nuts for extra color and texture.
4. Chill (Optional)
For best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the salad to cool and the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
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As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
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Appetizer: Serve on small plates with toasted bread or crackers.
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Light lunch: Add avocado, olives, or cooked quinoa for a more filling salad.
Tips for Perfect Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
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Use fresh mozzarella — soft, creamy mozzarella gives the best texture.
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Pick firm cucumbers — avoid overly watery cucumbers for a crisp salad.
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Dress lightly — too much oil or vinegar can overpower the fresh flavors.
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Tear basil by hand — cutting with a knife can bruise the leaves.
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Serve immediately or chilled — freshness is key.
Variations
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Caprese-Style Twist: Add ripe cherry tomatoes and drizzle with pesto.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper.
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Creamy Dressing: Mix a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the dressing.
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Herb Blend: Replace basil with fresh mint or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Storage
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Best eaten fresh — cucumbers release water over time.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–6 hours.
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Avoid long storage to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is light, refreshing, and incredibly simple. Perfect for summer lunches, dinner sides, or quick appetizers, it brings together crisp textures, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil for a dish that’s healthy, delicious, and visually stunning.
