Description
Bright, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors, this Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Mozzarella (plant-based) celebrates fresh ingredients in a colorful, healthy way. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and mild plant-based mozzarella are tossed in a zesty apple cider vinegar (natural) dressing with fresh basil leaves, creating a perfect balance of tangy and herbaceous notes. Ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or vibrant addition to any meal, this salad is quick to prepare, nutritious, and adaptable to personal tastes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruit
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced into bite-sized chunks or wedges
- 2 English or Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
- 10–15 fresh basil leaves, torn
Dairy (Plant-Based)
- 1 cup plant-based mozzarella, torn or sliced into bite-sized pieces
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (natural), minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks or wedges, dice the cucumbers into small crisp pieces, and gently peel and cube the avocado to avoid mashing.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic (natural), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add a small amount of natural gelling agent to lightly thicken the dressing, whisking until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
- Add Mozzarella: Tear or slice the plant-based mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and fold them delicately into the salad, preserving their creamy texture.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy the vibrant colors and fresh flavors right away for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pick ripe ingredients: Ensure tomatoes and avocados are fully ripe for optimal flavor and texture.
- Keep avocados fresh: Add avocado last and toss gently to prevent browning.
- Use quality olive oil: A good extra virgin olive oil enhances the dressing and overall flavor.
- Chill before serving: For extra freshness, chill salad for 15 minutes but avoid sogginess.
- Adjust dressing balance: Modify acid and oil levels to suit your taste preferences for a bright but balanced dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Salad, Cucumber Salad, Avocado Salad, Plant-Based Mozzarella, Vegan Salad, Healthy Salad, Refreshing Salad, Summer Salad