Marinated Fresh Mozzarella, Cucumber and Pepper Salad

Over the last few summers, this salad has become our go-to dish for bringing to cookouts and family pool parties.  It is quick and easy to prepare, involves no cooking and is a crowd favorite.  That is a triple bonus in my book.

D came up with the recipe for this salad after one of the "nice sample ladies" at Costso got to him and he came home with a big tub of marinated fresh mozzarella balls.  We had some peppers from the garden and cukes from the farmers market in the fridge.  With that a salad was born!

I think my 2nd favorite thing about this salad is how the balsamic vinegar gives just a hint of bite to the smoothness of the cheese and the sweetness of the peppers.  My 1st favorite thing is how I can make this the day or night before so I am not rushing around trying to get something together 30 minutes before we are to head out. 

I hope you enjoy this salad as much as we do.

Marinated fresh mozzarella, cucumber and pepper salad
(Source: Depths of D's Brain)
Ingredients

• 2 red pepper, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 yellow pepper, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 orange pepper, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 cucumber, quartered and cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 large container of marinated fresh mozzarella balls (we use a 22 oz container of Mozzarella Fresca brand from Costco)
• 1/4 C olive oil (this amount may increase or decrease depending on how much oil is in your container of mozzarella balls)
• 1/4 C Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 T Italian Herb Blend
• 1 T garlic powder

Directions

• Place peppers and cucumbers in a large ceramic bowl.
• Drain oil from marinated mozzarella into the bowl
• Cut mozzarella balls in half (this gives a better mozz to veggie ratio)
• Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly.
• Pour over fresh mozzarella, peppers and cucumbers.
• Stir to coat everything completely
• For best flavor, place in fridge and allow flavors to meld for an hour or more.

You could add other veggies too, if you like. I think cherry tomatoes would be a great addition. I just don't like them so don't include them.
 
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