1-Step 1: Preparing the Marinade In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper. This mixture forms the heart of the salad, infusing everything with bold flavors. Set it aside while you prep the other items.

2-Step 2: Handling the Vegetables Peel the cucumber and scrape its skin with a fork for a decorative touch. Slice it thinly and dice it into pieces, then quarter the 1 and 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes. If adding the 1/2 large red onion, dice it finely for that mild sharpness. Combine these in a medium bowl for easy mixing.

3-Step 3: Adding Cheese and Mixing Add 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Pour the marinade over the top and stir gently to ensure even coating. Let it marinate for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld it’s that simple! This step brings it all together for a refreshing dish.