Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Salad base:

1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced or half-mooned (you love crisp freshness!)
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced or quartered
8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced (use part-skim—you love balance!)
½ cup fresh basil leaves

Dressing & finish:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp sugar-free balsamic glaze (you love blood sugar friendly!)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (you love citrus brightness!)
Salt & black pepper to taste (use reduced-sodium salt—you love low-sodium!)
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (you love subtle heat!)

For serving:

Extra basil
Crack of black pepper
Optional sides:
→ Grilled chicken or shrimp (high-protein—you love this!)
→ Arugula or mixed greens

Instructions

1. Assemble salad:

On a platter or in a bowl, layer cucumber, tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

2. Dress:

Whisk olive oil, sugar-free balsamic glaze, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over salad.

3. Serve:

Garnish with extra basil, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use room-temp ingredients—enhances flavor and texture.
✅ Pat mozzarella dry—prevents watery salad.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use reduced-sodium salt + skip added salt in cheese
→ Boost brightness with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Sugar-free balsamic = zero glycemic impact
→ Net carbs: 6g per serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant! <8g net carbs/serving
→ Increase healthy fats: extra olive oil drizzle
✅ Make ahead:
→ Best served fresh—assemble just before eating
→ Prep veggies 2 hours ahead; store separately

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Best served fresh | Not ideal for leftovers (gets watery)
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a light lunch with grilled protein
→ Alongside soup or roasted veggies
→ For summer entertaining—pairs beautifully with sparkling water + lime

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):