Description
Craving a burst of fresh flavor? This Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad delivers! Juicy tomatoes, cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and delicate mozzarella mingle with bright basil pesto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 large English cucumber
- 2 ripe avocados
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine or bocconcini), drained
- 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red grape vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. Dice the English cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces. Halve, pit, peel, and dice the ripe avocados into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Step 2: Combine the main ingredients. Gently place the halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced avocado, and drained fresh mozzarella balls into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red grape vinegar, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Dress the salad. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Drizzle the basil pesto generously over the top.
- Step 5: Toss and serve. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing and pesto. Serve the salad immediately.
Notes
- While best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, though the avocado's color might deepen slightly.
- This refreshing salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended as it will alter the delicate textures of the fresh ingredients.
- Perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side for grilled chicken or fish, or even spooned over toasted crostini for a delightful appetizer.
- For the freshest appearance, wait to dice and add the avocado until just before you're ready to combine with the dressing and serve, minimizing browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 5g