Description
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduction)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the cucumbers thinly. If using an English cucumber, the peel is tender enough to leave intact.
- Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, mozzarella, onion, and basil.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture, then season generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss everything together gently, ensuring each ingredient is coated in the dressing.
- Serve immediately or let it marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider preparing the salad a few hours in advance. Keep basil separate if storing to avoid wilting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg