Classic Cucumber Mozzarella Salad with Basil and Balsamic Glaze
This recipe provides a fresh, light, and quick salad featuring crisp cucumber and creamy fresh mozzarella, finished with a simple balsamic dressing. It is perfect as a side dish or a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Italian Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced or diced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (small balls or diced large ball)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice or dice the cucumbers. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Place the cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls into a large mixing bowl.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber, mozzarella, and tomato mixture. Gently toss everything together until lightly coated.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad and toss once more lightly.
- Serve immediately or chill: You can serve this fresh cucumber mozzarella salad right away. If you prefer it colder, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Finish before serving: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using, just before you bring the salad to the table.
Notes
- For a low carb cucumber mozzarella recipe, omit any added sugar from the balsamic glaze.
- If you do not have small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), you can dice a larger ball of fresh mozzarella.
- You can make this a simple tomato cucumber mozzarella salad by increasing the tomato quantity.
- This salad tastes best when served the same day it is made.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 25