How to Make the Perfect Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Avocado

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Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Avocado

Introduction
This Tomato Mozzarella Salad with Avocado is the ultimate summer dish, packed with fresh flavors and ready in just minutes. Inspired by family gatherings and perfected with a few clever tricks, this salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, crisp cucumber, and rich avocado, all tossed in a garlicky balsamic dressing. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Tomato Mozzarella Salad

✔ Ready in 15 minutes – Quick, easy, and effortless to prepare.
✔ Bursting with fresh flavors – Sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crisp cucumber for the perfect bite.
✔ Easy homemade dressing – Just 5 simple ingredients for a delicious, garlicky balsamic dressing.
✔ Perfect for entertaining – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Salad:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ large English cucumber (or 3 small garden cucumbers), quartered and sliced

  • 1 large avocado, diced

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or diced fresh mozzarella)

  • ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 garlic clove, pressed or finely minced

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Tomatoes (The Easy Way!)
Place the cherry tomatoes in a single layer on a plastic lid.

  • Cover with a second lid and hold firmly.

  • Use a serrated knife to slice through all the tomatoes at once, creating perfect halves in seconds!

2. Chop the Remaining Ingredients

  • Cucumber: Quarter lengthwise, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

  • Avocado: Cut in half, remove the pit, quarter, peel, and dice.

  • Mozzarella: Use pre-pearled mozzarella for convenience, or dice fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.

  • Basil: Stack the basil leaves, roll tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).

3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Olive oil

  • Balsamic vinegar

  • Minced garlic

  • Salt & pepper

4. Assemble & Toss
Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, mozzarella, and basil in a large bowl.

  • Drizzle with the balsamic dressing and gently toss to coat.

Pro Tips for the Best Tomato Mozzarella Salad

  • 🍅 Tomato Hack: Use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts when halving tomatoes.

  • 🥑 Avocado Tip: Add the avocado last to prevent browning.

  • 🧄 Garlic Trick: Press or grate garlic for maximum flavor without any chunks.

  • 🌿 Herb Swap: Don’t have basil? Fresh parsley or chives work just as well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

  • As a Light Lunch: Serve with crusty bread for a refreshing meal.

  • Side Dish: Perfect accompaniment for grilled chicken or fish.

  • Potluck Favorite: Double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing dish.

  • Meal Prep Option: Store the salad components separately (without avocado), and add the fresh avocado just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and crisp cucumber is a classic, but the addition of a garlicky balsamic dressing takes it to the next level. The rich, buttery avocado adds depth and creaminess, while fresh basil brings a fragrant, herby brightness.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Mozzarella Salad is my go-to dish for summer – it’s fresh, quick, and bursting with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll be making it all season long!

Tried this recipe?
Let me know how it turned out in the comments! If you love easy and refreshing salads, be sure to check out more of my favorite recipes.

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