A spin on classic caprese, this Tomato-Cucumber-Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing and healthy addition to your next summer gathering.
Nothing says summer more than a crisp, refreshing salad. Well, maybe a tropical cocktail does. But aside from that, I love a summery salad on a sunny day more than anything!
The classic Italian caprese salad inspired this tomato-cucumber-mozzarella salad. Notice the red, green, and white? Hello there Italian flag! The caprese was named after the famous, swanky island of Capri. In truth, I have never been to Capri, but we can all enjoy this salad and dream of it. Right? Okay, enough of the history lesson; back to this delicious salad.
Regardless of the inspiration, this tomato-cucumber-mozzarella salad is perfect for a light lunch or a summer potluck dish. I love making a signature dish that friends look forward to having when they come over or count on me to bring when we get together. This salad is a real crowd-pleaser and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Also, there is no cooking involved. It’s great to bring something to a friend’s house that doesn’t require reheating.
This salad is delish, and it seems like even picky eaters enjoy it. Trust me! There is something about how the flavors go together. The tanginess of the tomatoes, the sweetness of the balsamic, and the crisp cucumbers go perfectly with the fresh mozzarella. Not only in flavor but the texture as well. Another thing I like about this salad is you can easily add other veggies or fresh herbs to make it your own. In the past, I have added avocado, roasted red peppers, and even mint (because I was out of basil). Work with what you have!
Is This Tomato-Cucumber-Mozzarella Salad Healthy?
Yes! Cucumbers and tomatoes contain potassium and vitamin C. They also help keep you hydrated. I’ll let you know more about that in a minute. Garlic and basil both have natural antioxidants. I also use extra-virgin olive oil (a source of healthy fats) and balsamic vinegar, so we don’t have hidden sugar and additives that can be found in some salad dressings. This salad is vegetarian-friendly, low in calories, and can be vegan if you leave out the mozzarella or use a vegan mozzarella substitute.
While the mozzarella is okay for keto diets, it is off-limits for the Whole30 diet. In either case, make sure you are using sugar-free balsamic vinegar.
Delicious Foods Keeping You Hydrated And Healthy
Normally we drink water to hydrate. This is an obvious choice. We also get a good amount of hydration daily from the meals we choose to eat. Tomato-cucumber-mozzarella salad is a great example of a delicious meal that is good for you and can keep you hydrated. These two fruits/veggies (fruit if you’re a botanist, veggie if you’re a chef) contain 94 to 96% water. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the summer or hotter climates when we lose more hydration through sweat. I’m like a hydration-crazy person and always ask how much water someone has had if they complain about feeling tired or sick. It’s just one more reason to love this salad!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Though the salad is best eaten soon after it’s made, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended as it will ruin the texture of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
I may have mentioned that tomato-cucumber-mozzarella salad is a great summer dish about five times already. But without a doubt, you can serve it any time of year or any time of day!
I have served this salad for breakfast alongside eggs, like Gordon Ramsay’s Scrambled Eggs or my fave, Over-Medium Eggs. I would include a side of crusty bread or toast, or go all out with some Buttermilk Waffles to complete your breakfast spread.
If you are having or attending a BBQ, serve salad with a Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast or Grilled Tilapia. For a more traditional take, serve your salad alongside burgers. Try these Cajun Burgers With Sweet Potato Buns or keep it vegetarian with these delicious Black Bean Power Burgers With Avocado Crema. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 large English cucumber sliced into half-moons
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and cubed mozzarella cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic to create the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment