why make this recipe
This salad is fresh, fast, and full of color. It uses simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. You get creamy avocado, soft mozzarella, bright tomatoes, and fresh basil flavor from the pesto.
introduction
This spring salad mixes cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, small mozzarella balls, and red onion. Basil pesto adds a bright, herby taste. It works as a light lunch, side dish, or picnic food.
how to make Spring Salad: Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
Ingredients :
Tomatoes (red and yellow cherry), Cucumbers, Avocado, Small fresh Mozzarella cheese balls, Red onions, Basil pesto, Salt, Pepper, Olive oil (optional)
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced avocado, mozzarella balls, and sliced red onions.
- Drizzle with basil pesto and olive oil (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together and serve immediately.
how to serve Spring Salad: Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
Serve the salad right after you toss it. Put it on a platter or in a shallow bowl so the colors show. It pairs well with grilled chicken, crusty bread, or as part of a buffet.
how to store Spring Salad: Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 1 day for best texture because avocado and tomatoes can get soft. Keep dressing separate if you want to store longer.
tips to make Spring Salad: Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
- Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape.
- Cut tomatoes and cucumbers into similar sizes for even bites.
- Add pesto slowly and taste as you go to avoid over-dressing.
- Chill the bowl before serving for a cooler salad.
variation (if any)
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for more brightness.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Swap mozzarella for small cubes of feta for a tangy twist.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the vegetables ahead, but wait to add avocado and pesto until just before serving.
Q: How long will the salad keep?
A: Best eaten the same day. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge but the avocado will brown and the salad will be softer.
Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
A: Yes. Cut regular tomatoes into bite-size pieces so they match the other ingredients.
Q: Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
A: Yes. It has no meat or alcohol and uses fresh cheese.
Q: Can I make a vegan version?
A: Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese or extra avocado, and use a vegan pesto.
Conclusion
For a similar take on this flavor combo, see Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Mozzarella and Basil Pesto. You can also compare ideas and serving suggestions at Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto – Stetted.
PrintSpring Salad: Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto
A fresh and colorful salad featuring creamy avocado, soft mozzarella, bright tomatoes, and fresh basil flavor from pesto.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup small fresh mozzarella cheese balls
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced avocado, mozzarella balls, and sliced red onions in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with basil pesto and olive oil (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together and serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 1 day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: salad, spring salad, avocado, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumber, pesto
