Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad recipe with Balsamic Dressing -

When the days get warmer, my craving for light, fresh, and vibrant dishes goes way up! This Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe is exactly what hits the spot. It’s incredibly simple, bursting with flavor, and requires absolutely zero cooking.

Imagine this: juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and creamy mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a simple, tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the kind of salad that comes together in minutes but tastes like pure summer sunshine. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or just need a quick, healthy side dish for dinner, this salad is guaranteed to become a warm-weather favorite.

Let’s get this delicious salad on your table fast!

Cool, crisp, and colorful – this Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad recipe is the perfect refreshing bite for any occasion!

Before we dive in, here are the key details for this recipe:

⏲️ Prep Time: 10 mins	🔥 Cook Time: 0 mins	⏰ Total Time: 20 mins (includes rest)
🥣 Yields: 4-6 servings	🍳 Difficulty: Very Easy

❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

✅ Lightning Fast: Ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time. It’s the ultimate speedy side dish!
✅ Supremely Fresh: Highlights the natural sweetness of tomatoes, crispness of cucumber, and creaminess of mozzarella.
✅ Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for literally any summer meal, from grilled meats to pasta salads.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser: The simple, clean flavors appeal to almost everyone, making it a great potluck or party contribution.
✅ Healthy & Light: A nutritious option packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make your delightful Cucumber Mozzarella Salad. We’re using extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing, which provides a wonderful base flavor and healthy fats.

For the Dressing:
✅ 4 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
✅ 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
✅ 2 tsp Dried Oregano
✅ 2 tsp Dried Basil
✅ ½ tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
✅ ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground is best!)
For the Salad:
✅ 1 large English Cucumber (or 2-3 smaller cucumbers), washed and sliced
✅ 3 cups Cherry Tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), washed and halved
✅ 1 lb Fresh Mozzarella (pearls or a large ball, chopped into bite-sized pieces)

Ingredient Notes: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making them ideal for slicing and adding directly to salads. Look for fresh mozzarella pearls (often labeled “ciliegine” or “bocconcini”) for ultimate ease – no chopping required!

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

Making this Cucumber Mozzarella Salad couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps:

Make the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. You can do this a bit ahead of time to let the flavors meld, but it’s not strictly necessary for this quick salad.
Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: Wash and slice the cucumber. If using a regular cucumber, you might want to scoop out the seeds before slicing. Halve the cherry tomatoes. If using a large ball of fresh mozzarella, drain it and chop it into bite-sized pieces roughly the same size as the halved tomatoes. If using mozzarella pearls, simply drain them well.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and prepared fresh mozzarella.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared balsamic dressing over the ingredients in the bowl.
Toss and Rest: Gently toss everything together using large spoons or salad tongs until all the cucumber, tomatoes, and mozzarella are lightly coated in the dressing. Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This short rest allows the flavors to mingle and the ingredients to absorb some of that delicious dressing.

tossing cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls with balsamic dressing in a mixing bowl. — Crisp cucumber slices are arranged in a white bowl, and a golden stream of olive oil

💡 Expert Tips for Success

Elevate your Cucumber Mozzarella Salad with these simple tips:

✅ Quality Ingredients: Since this salad is so simple, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Use the freshest cucumber and tomatoes you can find, and good quality fresh mozzarella.
✅ Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing and the finished salad before serving. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar depending on your preference and the sweetness of your tomatoes.
✅ Resting is Key: Don’t skip the 10-minute rest! It makes a noticeable difference in how well the flavors come together.
✅ Serving Temperature: Serve this salad chilled or at cool room temperature. Avoid serving it ice cold straight from the fridge, as this can dull the flavors slightly.
✅ Consider the Moisture: Cucumbers can release a lot of water. If you plan to make this far ahead (more than a few hours), consider seeding the cucumber thoroughly or dressing it just before serving to prevent the salad from getting watery.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:

🔥 BBQ Favorite: It’s a perfect cool and crisp side dish for grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or fish.
🍝 Pasta Pairing: Serve it alongside your favorite pasta dishes, like Lemon Garlic Pasta or a simple Spaghetti Pomodoro.
🥪 Sandwich Companion: A refreshing side for sandwiches, wraps, or paninis.
🥖 With Bread: Enjoy it with a crusty baguette, ciabatta, or garlic bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
🥗 Light Lunch: Add some grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a satisfying light lunch.

A single serving of cucumber mozzarella salad in a white bowl, showing the fresh vegetables and mozzarella glistening with dressing.

Fresh, simple, and oh-so-delicious. A single serving of this cucumber mozzarella salad hits all the right notes.

🥡 Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storage: Store any leftover Cucumber Mozzarella Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. As noted in the tips, cucumbers can release water over time, potentially diluting the dressing. If you anticipate leftovers or are making this ahead for a party, it’s highly recommended to store the dressing separately and toss the salad ingredients with the dressing just before serving.

Freezing: This salad does not freeze well. The fresh vegetables and mozzarella will become watery and lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best to make only as much as you expect to eat within a couple of days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe

Can I use different types of mozzarella?

While fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine or bocconcini) or a fresh mozzarella ball chopped up are traditional for this type of salad (similar to a Caprese), you could potentially use smoked mozzarella or even cubed provolone for a different flavor profile, though the texture won’t be quite as soft and creamy as fresh mozzarella.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar provides a unique sweet and tangy depth. While there’s no perfect substitute, you could try red wine vinegar, possibly with a pinch of sugar to mimic the slight sweetness of balsamic. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables or protein?

Absolutely! This salad is very adaptable. Thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even some olives would be great additions. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas would make this a heartier meal.

What fresh herbs would be good in this?

Fresh basil is a classic pairing for mozzarella and tomatoes (think Caprese!). Fresh oregano or parsley would also work well. Chop them and toss them in with the salad just before serving for the brightest flavor.

📖 More Recipes You Might Like

If you loved this Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad, you might also enjoy these other reader favorites from StirDelish:

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is proof that simple ingredients, when fresh and combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. It’s the perfect fuss-free dish for busy days and happy gatherings.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this salad as much as I do! Please leave a comment below if you try it and let me know your favorite additions. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who love easy summer meals!