Description
A refreshing medley of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocado, topped with smooth mozzarella and drizzled with fragrant basil pesto. Every bite bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, making this salad the perfect summer treat!
Ingredients
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 ripe avocado
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄4 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for the salad: two medium tomatoes, one cucumber, one ripe avocado, 200 grams of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh basil pesto, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
2. Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and slice them into even wedges or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
3. Set the tomatoes aside in a large mixing bowl.
4. Next, take the cucumber, slice off both ends, and peel the skin if desired, although keeping the skin on adds a nice crunch and color.
5. Cut the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
6. Cut the ripe avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit with a spoon or knife.
7. Scoop out the avocado flesh using a spoon and cut it into cubes.
8. Add the cubed avocado to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and cucumber.
9. Now, take the mozzarella cheese and slice it into small cubes or tear it into bite-sized pieces with your hands.
10. Add the mozzarella cheese to the salad bowl.
11. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
12. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the oil and vinegar mixture, stirring well to combine all the ingredients into a simple dressing.
13. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl, making sure to drizzle it evenly.
14. Next, take 1/4 cup of fresh basil pesto and add it to the bowl.
15. Gently toss the salad ingredients together with a spoon or your hands, making sure that all the vegetables, mozzarella, and pesto are evenly mixed.
16. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
17. Once everything is well combined, the Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Mozzarella and Basil Pesto is ready to be served.
18. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Notes
Make sure the tomatoes are ripe for the best flavor and juiciness in the salad.
Peeling the cucumber is optional, but keeping the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy, soft texture; mozzarella balls or bocconcini work great.
For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of toasted pine nuts.
If making ahead, add the pesto and dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg