This bright and fresh salad combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and soft mozzarella. Topped with delicious basil pesto, it’s a taste of summer in every bite!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just chop everything up, mix it together, and enjoy it as a side or light lunch. I love how the flavors pop—it’s like a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are perfect for salads. If you’re out, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!
Cucumber: A large cucumber gives crunchiness. You can substitute it with English cucumber or Persian cucumber. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using some diced zucchini instead.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding avocados, try using diced mango or cooked chickpeas for a different texture.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: I love using bocconcini for their size and taste. You can swap these with cubed feta or even diced cheddar if you like something sharper!
Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is great, but store-bought is easy and still delicious. If you’re dairy-free, look for a vegan pesto or blend your own with pine nuts, basil, and olive oil.
How Do I Prevent Avocado from Browning in My Salad?
Avocados can brown quickly once cut. To keep your avocado looking fresh, coat it with basil pesto while mixing the salad. The acid from the pesto helps slow down the browning process.
- Cut the avocado just before mixing it in.
- Toss it gently, ensuring an even coat of pesto covers it.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly to maintain its color.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad With Avocado, Mozzarella, And Basil Pesto?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will only take about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like, you can chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes to make it even more delicious and allow the flavors to blend together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Veggies and Cheese:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced avocado, and fresh mozzarella balls. Next, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers, along with the finely chopped red onion. This colorful combination will give your salad a fresh look and yummy taste!
2. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the basil pesto and olive oil over the salad mixture. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper to season it just right. These little touches enhance the flavor and make everything come together beautifully.
3. Toss to Mix:
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Be sure to carefully mix so the avocado gets coated with the pesto; this helps prevent it from browning and keeps your salad looking fresh!
4. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add some fresh basil leaves on top for a lovely garnish. Now your salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes for a more refreshing taste
5. Enjoy!
Dig into this delightful Tomato Cucumber Salad and savor the mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the veggies for ones you prefer or have on hand. Bell peppers can be replaced with zucchini or carrots, and you can add ingredients like corn or radishes for extra crunch.
What Should I Do If My Avocado Is Overripe?
If your avocado is too soft, it’s best to skip it in this salad. Instead, you could use diced firm apples or pears for a sweet crunch, or even try adding some sautéed spinach for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the avocado may brown and the salad may become watery. To minimize browning, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the avocado before storing!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare the salad without the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh. You can mix all the other ingredients with pesto, then add the avocado right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and creamy texture.
