This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is summer in a bowl—crisp, juicy, creamy, and bursting with bright, herby flavor. Think of it as a Caprese with a cool crunch! It’s the kind of salad that disappears fast at potlucks and barbecues, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers pair perfectly with silky mozzarella and a zippy balsamic dressing. It’s refreshing, super quick to make, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of our favorite Tomato Cucumber Recipes and makes for excellent Healthy Lunch Ideas With Tomatoes.
By the way, if you love learning about tomatoes, be sure to check out our Beef Tomato Benefits, Recipes & Growing Guide for even more juicy info!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 15 minutes—hello, weeknight lifesaver!
- Perfectly balanced: juicy, crunchy, creamy, and tangy
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
- Easy to scale up for a crowd or down for lunch
- Great way to use garden-fresh produce
- Works great as an Appetizer With Tomatoes or part of your Appetizer Ideas
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Lunch or Dinner Side |
Cuisine | Mediterranean-Inspired |
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 0 minutes |
Total Time | 10 minutes |
Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes – for their sweet, poppable bursts. Great in Cherry Tomato Recipes Side Dishes.
- Cucumber – adds crunch and coolness. A staple for any Cucumber Based Salad.
- Mozzarella pearls – creamy, mild, and bite-sized perfection. The star of Salads With Mozzarella.
- Red onion – optional, but adds a sharp bite
- Fresh basil leaves – torn for aromatic goodness
- Olive oil – smooth, rich base for the dressing
- Balsamic vinegar – brings tang and sweetness
- Salt & black pepper – enhances all the flavors
See the full recipe card below for quantities and instructions.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad
Step 1: Chop the Veggies
Slice the tomatoes in halves or quarters, depending on their size. Peel and chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion if you’re using it.
Step 2: Toss it All Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and fresh basil.
Step 3: Dress to Impress
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Serve immediately for peak freshness or let it chill for 15–30 minutes in the fridge for an even bolder flavor. It also makes a stunning Tomato Cheese Salad that works for any occasion.
Pro Tips
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and a less watery salad.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to let flavors mingle.
- For extra flair, drizzle a balsamic glaze just before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Add avocado for extra creaminess
- Use heirloom tomatoes for a rainbow twist
- Sprinkle pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch
- Swap basil for mint or parsley for a fresh twist
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or even crusty bread. Serve it at summer parties, picnics, or alongside your weeknight dinner. It’s also a delicious pick for Mozzarella Cheese Salad lovers looking for something light yet satisfying.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can prep the veggies ahead and store them separately. Combine everything and dress right before serving to keep it fresh.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The veggies will release more liquid over time, so you might want to drain before serving again.
Can You Freeze It?
Not recommended. The textures of the cucumber and mozzarella don’t hold up well after freezing.
How to Reheat
No need! This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of pearls?
Yes, just cut it into small cubes or tear into chunks. Works great in a Tomato Cucumber Cheese Salad.
What’s the best cucumber for this salad?
English cucumbers are ideal—they’re crisp, thin-skinned, and nearly seedless.
How far in advance can I make it?
Chop veggies up to a day ahead. Dress it no more than an hour before serving.
Is this salad healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats—a winner in the Healthy Lunch Ideas With Tomatoes category.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a true celebration of fresh, simple ingredients. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or just dreaming of summer days, this salad delivers a big burst of flavor with minimal effort. It’s light, it’s vibrant, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Try it as a Tomato Cucumber Cheese Salad, use it in Cherry Tomato Recipes Side Dishes, or explore more Tomato Cucumber Recipes and Appetizer Ideas with this refreshing favorite!

Tomato Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the tomatoes in halves or quarters. Peel and chop the cucumber. Slice the red onion if using.
- In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and basil.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.