This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Refreshing Bliss in a Bowl (Cucumber Strawberry Salad)
If you’re in the mood for something fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious, look no further than this Cucumber Strawberry Salad! Crisp cucumber slices dance alongside sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a medley of flavors that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Toss in a tangy dressing laced with honey and fresh mint, and you’ve got a salad that feels like summer sunshine, no matter the season. Perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing side dish, this salad will make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this refreshing dish! Here’s why you’ll want to whip up this Cucumber Strawberry Salad:
– Bright, Fresh Flavors: The combination of cool cucumbers and sweet strawberries is a match made in heaven!
– Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning salad ready in no time.
– Perfectly Balanced: The light dressing adds a delightful tang that elevates each bite, making it irresistible.
– Versatile Delight: Great for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing snack at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and this salad is as simple as it gets! You’ll only need a few fresh staples to create this burst of flavor. The star players here? Juicy strawberries and crunchy cucumbers – they truly shine!
– 1 cucumber
– 2 cups strawberries
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons fresh mint
*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*
Variations
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is wonderfully customizable! Here are some fun twists you can try to make it your own:
– Go Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, this salad is a safe option for all your gluten-sensitive friends!
– Add Extra Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
– Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with a citrus vinaigrette for a zesty alternative.
– Colorful Additions: Add jewel-like bits of bell peppers or blueberries for even more vibrant colors and flavors!
How to Make This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Let’s dive into the magic of making this Cucumber Strawberry Salad! Follow these easy steps for a wonderfully refreshing dish:
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber
Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under cold running water. Once it’s nice and clean, grab a sharp knife and slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Place those crisp slices into a large mixing bowl, ready to mingle!
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries under cold water, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Hull the strawberries by cutting off those green leafy tops with a paring knife, and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Add these sweet slices to the bowl with your cucumber.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Whisk it together until the honey dissolves completely and the mixture is beautifully blended. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, whisking again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberry slices in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each slice is coated in that delicious mixture.
Step 5: Add Fresh Mint
Wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry. Stack the mint leaves, slice them into thin ribbons (known as chiffonade), and add them to the salad. Toss everything one last time to evenly distribute the mint throughout.
Step 6: Let It Marinate
Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as desired. Let the salad sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow those fabulous flavors to meld together. Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, but for the best texture, enjoy within a few hours.
Pro Tips for Making This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
To ensure your Cucumber Strawberry Salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these pro tips in mind:
– Choose Ripe Strawberries: Opt for bright red strawberries that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for the best sweetness and flavor.
– Use Fresh Mint: Fresh herbs make a world of difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on the mint!
– Slice Evenly: Try to slice your cucumber and strawberries uniformly for a beautiful presentation and even flavor distribution.
– Chill Before Serving: If you have time, chilling the salad for a bit enhances the refreshing taste!
How to Serve This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra mint leaves on top for a stunning visual and a burst of freshness!
Side Dishes
Pair this salad with grilled chicken, seared fish, or your favorite sandwich for a delightful meal combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual cups for a fun party appetizer, or lay it out on a large platter for a beautiful centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just note that the cucumbers may lose some crunch over time.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not recommended to freeze it. The texture of the cucumbers and strawberries won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
Serve the salad cold for the best experience. If you have leftovers, give it a gentle toss and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different dressing?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing for a twist!
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! This salad is light and refreshing, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat if you’d like!
How do I make this gluten-free?
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions!
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, just combine everything and add the dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a delightful celebration of fresh flavors that will brighten up any meal! With its vibrant colors and tantalizing taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So grab those ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to savor every delicious bite. Happy salad-making!
Cucumber Strawberry Salad
This vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers and sweet strawberries, drizzled with a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing appetizer, this salad offers a satisfying balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: N/A
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chiffonade
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
- Rinse and hull the strawberries, then slice them.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cucumber and strawberries in a large bowl; pour dressing over and gently toss to coat.
- Add fresh mint and mix again.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg