Tomato, Cucumber & Mozzarella Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Category: Low Protein
Servings: 4
Description:
This Tomato, Cucumber & Mozzarella Salad is a refreshing and light dish that makes a perfect side for any summer meal. It features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed in a zesty dressing made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. The real magic of this salad is the dressing, which doubles as the marinade for the Grilled Stuffed Chicken (recipe #88887), making it a perfect pairing for a delicious and cohesive summer meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 3 medium |
| Tomatoes | 4 medium |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 cloves |
| Green Onions | 6-8 stalks |
| Mozzarella Cheese (fresh) | 4 oz |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried Basil | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 642.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 61 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 22.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 199 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 16.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 3.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 7.9 g |
| Protein Content | 9.6 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables: Start by slicing the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic cloves and green onions.
-
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, green onions, and mozzarella cheese. Toss the ingredients together to evenly distribute.
-
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until fully combined. Stir in the dried oregano and basil, then continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and fragrant.
-
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated. Toss gently to combine and coat the vegetables and mozzarella with the dressing.
-
Drain Excess Dressing: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Drain off any excess dressing that runs off to keep the salad crisp.
-
Serve or Marinate: Serve immediately, or if you’re preparing this salad as a side for Grilled Stuffed Chicken, set the remaining dressing aside. It can be used as a marinade for the chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
Notes:
- Perfect Pairing: This salad works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats, particularly the Grilled Stuffed Chicken, as the dressing for both dishes is the same.
- Adjusting Herbs: Feel free to adjust the dried oregano and basil to suit your taste. Fresh herbs can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can enhance the salad by adding other summer vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or even olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips:
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
- For an even more refreshing taste, chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Tomato, Cucumber & Mozzarella Salad as part of a delightful summer spread!
