Discover the joy of bright summer produce with this irresistible Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe, a dish that’s equal parts sweet, crisp, and refreshingly light. Bursting with juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumber, fragrant mint, and a tangy honey balsamic dressing, this salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, prepping for a backyard barbecue, or simply craving something quick and healthy, this salad comes together in just minutes and always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is pure proof that you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to make something truly delicious. Each ingredient plays a starring role, enhancing the salad’s taste, texture, and stunning color. Here’s what to gather:
- Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and sliced): Sweet, juicy, and vibrant, they’re the heart of the salad and offer a gorgeous pop of color.
- English Cucumber (1 large, thinly sliced): Cool and crisp with minimal seeds, this cucumber brings a thirst-quenching crunch to every bite.
- Red Onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Adds rainbow hues and an assertive bite, balancing the sweetness of the berries.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): The secret to an invigorating aroma and a burst of garden-fresh flavor throughout the salad.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Offers richness and helps all the flavors meld together in the dressing.
- Balsamic Vinegar or White Balsamic Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Delivers a bright, tangy note that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch softens the acidity and deepens the flavor of the dressing.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for dialing up all the fresh flavors and balancing the salad.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Creamy, tangy, and salty—feta ups the wow factor if you’re craving extra richness.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Slice and Combine Your Produce
Begin by prepping your produce: hull and slice the strawberries, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly, and chop the mint leaves. In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. The bowl will instantly look like summer, bursting with vibrant color.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (the white version keeps things extra bright and poppy), honey, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the honey is evenly dissolved and everything forms a silky, glossy dressing.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the strawberry, cucumber, and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs. Take care not to over-mix—the strawberries especially are delicate.
Step 4: Add Mint and Feta
Once everything is lightly coated, add the chopped fresh mint and, if you like, scatter the crumbled feta cheese across the top. Give it one final gentle toss to distribute everything without breaking up the fruit or cheese. Admire those colors!
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Serve your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe immediately for maximum freshness and crunch. Or, pop it in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes if you prefer a beautifully chilled salad—that little wait makes it extra refreshing, especially on hot days.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of extra fresh mint leaves right before serving instantly elevates both the look and aroma of the salad. For texture, sprinkle on a handful of chopped pistachios or almonds if you want some crunch. A final, light drizzle of aged balsamic or a few extra crumbles of feta won’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with almost anything grilled: chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s even a lively complement to grain salads or a light pasta. Try serving it alongside bread and good olive oil for an easy Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving this salad in individual cups or jars for picnics and parties. Alternatively, spoon it over crostini for a summery appetizer, or layer it atop mixed greens for a more robust salad bowl. Personal touches make the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe shine in any setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe tightly and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers and strawberries will naturally release more juices as time goes on. If you’re prepping in advance, consider adding the mint and feta just before serving for best texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended with this salad. Both strawberries and cucumbers become watery and mushy when thawed, leading to a soggy salad and loss of crisp freshness.
Reheating
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat. If you’re pulling it from the fridge and prefer less chill, simply let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different vinegar if I don’t have balsamic?
Absolutely! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted in a pinch. They’ll produce a slightly different, but still delicious, tang in your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese, or use a vegan feta alternative. The salad is naturally fresh and flavorful, so it’s just as delightful without the cheese.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the components a few hours in advance. Wait to add the dressing, mint, and feta until just before serving to keep everything vibrant and crisp.
What protein can I add to make a complete meal?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all turn this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe into a satisfying main dish. Just layer or mix your protein choice right before serving.
Is there a nut-free way to add crunch?
Definitely! Try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you want extra crunch without nuts. These keep the salad allergy-friendly and still delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dish that captures the essence of sunshine, freshness, and pure simplicity, the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe won’t let you down. It’s easy, gorgeous, and wonderfully versatile—so go ahead and give it a try. You might be surprised just how quickly this becomes your go-to summer salad!
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Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Topped with fresh mint and optional feta cheese, this salad is a delightful addition to any summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 large English cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Add the chopped mint and feta cheese if using, and give it a final toss.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving for a chilled version.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped pistachios or almonds just before serving.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
- Use vegan feta or omit cheese for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
