Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper
1 cucumber, peeled, fork-scored, and thinly sliced, then diced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
8 oz fresh mozzarella
½ large red onion, chopped into small pieces
Optional: fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Peel the cucumber and use a fork to scrape the skin vertically to create a textured surface. Thinly slice the cucumber and then dice it into small pieces. Add the cucumber to a medium-sized bowl.
- Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced cucumber.
- Chop the red onion into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the onion.
- Slice the mozzarella into bite-sized pieces or use mozzarella pearls if available. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the vegetables and mozzarella. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the marinade coats all the ingredients.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to blend.
Notes
- The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
- If you want a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the marinade.
- For a sweeter twist, you can drizzle honey into the marinade.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, olives, or arugula to customize the salad.
- To make the salad vegan, swap the mozzarella for dairy-free cheese or omit it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
