Cucumber Strawberry Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe

Cucumber Strawberry Salad: Prepare to be amazed by this unexpectedly delightful combination! Have you ever craved something refreshing, sweet, and savory all at once? This vibrant salad is the answer. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

While the exact origins of pairing cucumbers and strawberries in a salad are somewhat obscure, the concept of combining fruits and vegetables in creative ways has been around for centuries. Think of the classic Mediterranean salads with feta and watermelon, or the Asian-inspired salads with mango and jicama. This cucumber strawberry salad builds upon that tradition, offering a unique and modern twist.

People adore this dish for its simplicity and versatility. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and readily available ingredients. The crispness of the cucumber perfectly complements the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, creating a refreshing contrast. A light vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a touch of acidity and enhancing the natural flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a healthy snack, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those perfectly ripe strawberries during peak season!

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds for added crunch

Preparing the Cucumber and Strawberries:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to a great cucumber strawberry salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. I always try to find locally grown produce whenever possible. It just makes a difference in the flavor!

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: First, peel your cucumbers. I prefer to peel them completely, but you can leave some of the peel on if you like the texture. Next, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery. Finally, dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. Place the diced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash your strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove the hulls (the green leafy part) and quarter the strawberries. If your strawberries are particularly large, you might want to cut them into smaller pieces. Add the quartered strawberries to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. Red onion can be quite strong, so slicing it thinly helps to mellow out the flavor. If you’re sensitive to the taste of raw onion, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
4. Chop the Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for this salad! Roughly chop the fresh mint and basil leaves. Don’t chop them too finely, as you want to be able to see and taste the individual herbs. Add the chopped mint and basil to the bowl.

Making the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Now, let’s make the dressing! This balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the sweet strawberries and refreshing cucumbers. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the salad.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The honey helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a touch of sweetness.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or a little more balsamic vinegar if you like it more tangy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance for your taste!

Assembling the Salad:

Time to put it all together! This is the easiest part. Just make sure you don’t dress the salad too far in advance, as the cucumbers and strawberries can release their juices and make the salad watery. I usually dress it about 15-20 minutes before serving.

1. Dress the Salad: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the cucumber and strawberry mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
2. Add the Feta Cheese (Optional): If you’re using feta cheese, now is the time to add it. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. The salty, tangy feta cheese adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet strawberries and refreshing cucumbers.
3. Add Toasted Almonds (Optional): If you’re using toasted slivered almonds, sprinkle them over the salad. The almonds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can chill it for longer, but I wouldn’t recommend chilling it for more than a few hours, as the cucumbers and strawberries can become a bit soft.
5. Final Toss and Serve: Just before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss. Serve immediately and enjoy! This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a refreshing appetizer.

Tips and Variations:

This cucumber strawberry salad is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Avocado: For a creamier salad, add diced avocado. The avocado adds a healthy dose of fats and a smooth, buttery texture.
• Use Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Dill, parsley, or even a little bit of cilantro would all be delicious in this salad.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• Make it Vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
• Grill the Strawberries: For a smoky flavor, grill the strawberries before adding them to the salad. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
• Add a Grain: To make it a more substantial salad, add a cooked grain like quinoa or farro.
• Different Vinegar: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Serving Suggestions:

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken or Fish: This salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish. The refreshing flavors of the salad complement the smoky flavors of the grill.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Serve this salad alongside sandwiches or wraps for a light and healthy lunch.
• BBQ: This salad is a great addition to any BBQ spread. It’s a refreshing and flavorful alternative to traditional potato salad or coleslaw.
• Potlucks: This salad is always a hit at potlucks. It’s easy to transport and everyone loves the fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of this salad as a light and refreshing lunch on a hot summer day.

Storage Instructions:

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the cucumbers and strawberries will release their juices over time, so the salad may become a bit watery. I recommend draining off any excess liquid before serving.

I hope you enjoy this cucumber strawberry salad as much as I do! It’s one of my go-to recipes for summer gatherings and a simple way to enjoy the season’s best produce. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant celebration of summer flavors that you absolutely must experience! The unexpected combination of crisp cucumber and sweet strawberry, brought together with a tangy dressing, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, once you try this cucumber strawberry salad, it will become a staple in your warm-weather repertoire.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch on a hot day. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra fruits and vegetables into your diet. The refreshing nature of the cucumber perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. It’s also visually stunning, adding a pop of color to any table.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a creamier version, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, toasted almonds or pecans would be a delightful addition. And for those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
* Add it to a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad.
* Use it as a topping for bruschetta or crostini.
* Pair it with a creamy avocado dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
* For a sweeter treat, drizzle with a balsamic glaze.

Variations to Explore:

* Add fresh mint or basil for an herbaceous twist.
* Include thinly sliced red onion for a sharper flavor.
* Substitute blueberries or raspberries for the strawberries.
* Incorporate a citrus vinaigrette with lemon or lime juice.
* Try different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.

I truly believe that this recipe is a winner, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of this cucumber strawberry salad.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy! Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!

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June 20, 2025 by Melissa