Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Strawberry Cucumber Salad is the perfect mix of fresh, crisp, and sweet! It’s like summer in a bowl. Think juicy, ripe strawberries paired with cool, refreshing cucumbers, all tossed together with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. It’s the kind of salad that’s light enough to make a healthy snack but fancy enough to serve at a barbecue or picnic. Honestly, I can’t get enough of it—each bite is like a burst of flavor that makes me feel like I’m lounging in the sun. Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this one!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Let’s be real, this salad is a game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and there are so many reasons why it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes:

Super Refreshing

The crisp cucumber and juicy strawberries are a match made in heaven. They’re light, hydrating, and give you that refreshing feeling—perfect for those warm days when you need something that’s both satisfying and cooling.

Easy to Make

This salad comes together in a snap! No complicated steps here—just slice, toss, and drizzle. You’ll be ready to enjoy this fresh dish in just 10 minutes, no sweat.

Healthy and Nutritious

With fresh, wholesome ingredients like strawberries, cucumbers, and a homemade dressing, this salad is packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s a great way to snack guilt-free while still indulging in something delicious.

Beautifully Colorful

The combination of bright red strawberries and vibrant green cucumber makes this salad pop on the plate. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.

Versatile

This salad is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish, or even toss in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for added richness. It’s like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this beautiful and delicious Strawberry Cucumber Salad:

For the Salad:

• Fresh strawberries (sliced)
• Cucumbers (sliced thinly)
• Fresh mint leaves (chopped)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Optional: Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for extra creaminess

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Fresh lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making this salad is so simple—let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit

Start by washing your strawberries and cucumbers. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces, and for the cucumbers, you can either peel them or leave the skin on for a little extra crunch (totally up to you). Slice them thinly, as you want each bite to be refreshing and light.

Step 2: Add the Red Onion and Mint

Thinly slice the red onion and chop up a handful of fresh mint leaves. The mint adds a lovely freshness to the salad, while the onion gives it a little bite that balances out the sweetness of the strawberries.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This tangy-sweet dressing is the perfect way to bring all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Once everything is prepped, combine the strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it on top now.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavors, or refrigerate for a short time if you want the flavors to meld together a bit more. Either way, it’s going to taste amazing!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 40mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad

This salad is wonderfully versatile, and there are so many ways you can enjoy it!

As a Side Dish

Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a juicy steak. It’s the perfect light, refreshing contrast to rich, savory dishes.

For a Picnic

It’s ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings. It travels well and can be easily packed in a container. The flavors just get better after sitting for a bit!

Add Some Protein

For a more filling meal, add a protein source like grilled chicken, quinoa, or chickpeas. This makes it a perfect option for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner.

As a Snack

It’s refreshing and satisfying enough to be eaten on its own as a snack, especially when you want something light yet full of flavor.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a little more honey to the dressing, or even sprinkle some sugar over the strawberries before tossing everything together.

Experiment with Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar gives this salad a nice tang, but you can also try white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar if you want to change up the flavor profile.

Add Crunch

For added texture, you can toss in some nuts like toasted almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds.

Chilling the Salad

While this salad is best served fresh, you can refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving. Just be aware that the cucumbers may release some water over time, so give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Make It Ahead

You can prep the vegetables, mint, and dressing ahead of time. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I add other fruits to this salad?

A1: Yes, absolutely! You could add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even mango to make this salad your own.

Q2: Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?

A2: Yes! You can swap apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor twist.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A3: It’s best when served fresh, but you can prep the veggies and dressing separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp.

Q4: Can I add cheese to the salad?

A4: Yes! Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a nice creaminess and richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries and crunchy cucumbers.

Q5: How long can I store leftovers?

A5: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers might release some water, so give it a quick toss before eating.

Q6: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A6: Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute if you prefer.

Q7: How do I keep the cucumbers crisp in the salad?

A7: If you’re not serving the salad right away, you can sprinkle the cucumber slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes before draining any excess water. This helps keep them crisp.

Q8: Can I add nuts to the salad?

A8: Yes, a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts would add a great crunch and complement the fresh flavors in the salad.

Q9: How can I make this salad spicier?

A9: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing or top the salad with a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Q10: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

A10: While fresh strawberries are ideal for this salad, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding to the salad.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, crisp, and refreshing. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a light snack or a vibrant side dish. With its bright flavors and beautiful colors, it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time. Go ahead, toss this together, and enjoy a fresh, delicious bite of summer!

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