Description
A bright, refreshing summer salad of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and tender mozzarella, finished with a fragrant basil pesto dressing. Quick to assemble and bursting with contrasting textures and Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Cucumber: 1 large, diced
- Avocado: 2 medium, diced
- Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini or Ciliegine): 1 cup
- Basil Pesto: 1/3 cup
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Fresh Basil Leaves: small handful, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Ensure your knife is sharp and your mixing bowl and serving platter are clean and chilled if possible.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 large diced cucumber, 2 medium diced avocados, and 1 cup mozzarella balls.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a small bowl whisk together 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the pesto mixture evenly over the tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and mozzarella in the large bowl.
- Cook to Perfection: Gently toss the salad with a wide spoon or salad tongs, taking care not to mash the avocado, until everything is lightly coated with the pesto dressing.
- Finishing Touches: Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste, then tuck in fresh basil leaves for aroma and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the salad to a serving platter, garnish with a few whole basil leaves, and serve immediately while crisp and fresh.
Notes
- Toss avocado in lemon juice right after cutting to slow browning.
- Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead, then add just before serving to maintain texture.
- Use ripe but firm avocados so pieces hold their shape during tossing.
- For extra brightness add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg