This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is the vibrant, refreshing centerpiece my summer table has been missing, and I have a strong feeling it’ll soon become your go-to as well. There’s just something irresistible about the way cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy, sweet strawberries mingle together, all tied up in a light balsamic-honey vinaigrette and bright mint. You get bold color, addictively crisp textures, and that perfect sweet-savory flavor balance in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that goes from picnic blanket to dinner party spread without missing a beat, and it’s so easy, you’ll never want to be without it once you’ve tried it!

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this salad is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in its fresh, crave-worthy flavor. This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is proof that you don’t need a long shopping list to make something extraordinary. Here’s what goes into every bite:

  • Cucumber: Choose a firm, fresh cucumber for a crisp, hydrating base that absorbs the tangy dressing beautifully.
  • Strawberries: Look for ripe, deep-red berries; their sweetness gives every forkful a summery burst.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps carry all the dressing flavors throughout the salad.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Brings a gentle tang and a hint of complexity that complements both cucumber and strawberry.
  • Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity and highlight the berries’ flavor.
  • Salt: Sharpens all the flavors and ensures the salad doesn’t end up bland.
  • Black pepper: Just a bit for subtle heat and contrast.
  • Fresh mint: Sliced into delicate ribbons, mint brings coolness and an aromatic finish that ties everything together.

How to Make This Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber

Start by giving your cucumber a good rinse under cold running water. No need to peel it unless you prefer; the skin adds a lovely crunch and color. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, for a delicate, satisfying texture in every bite. Add these slices to a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for the rest of your salad.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Wash your strawberries well, then pat them dry gently—nobody wants soggy berries! Carefully hull each strawberry by removing the green top with a paring knife, then slice the strawberries into thin disks, about 1/4 inch thick. Toss these cheerful slices into the bowl with your cucumber, and already you’ll see the salad come to life with color.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Whisk until the honey is completely dissolved—the dressing should look shiny and slightly thickened. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then give it another quick whisk to evenly distribute the seasonings. This dressing is what brings the two main salad stars into sweet harmony.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour your homemade dressing right over the cucumber and strawberries. Now, gently toss everything together—this step is all about coating every single slice without crushing any fruit. Use a broad spoon or your hands, and marvel at how quickly the colors start to glisten.

Step 5: Add the Mint

Grab your fresh mint leaves and rinse them gently, then pat dry thoroughly. Stack the leaves, roll them up tight, and slice into thin ribbons (that’s a chiffonade, if you want to sound fancy to your friends!). Sprinkle the mint over the salad, then toss gently again to distribute the herbal freshness. The mint isn’t just garnish—it amplifies the whole flavor experience.

Step 6: Adjust and Rest

Give the salad a quick taste and adjust as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt, a drizzle more honey, or a few extra grinds of pepper—this is your chance to make This Cucumber Strawberry Salad absolutely perfect. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This quick rest allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to soak up just the right amount of dressing.

How to Serve This Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish takes This Cucumber Strawberry Salad from beautiful to truly special. A sprinkle of extra mint on top is always welcome, but you can also use edible flowers for a pop of color or a dusting of toasted almonds for a nutty crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze will add both shine and a deep tang.

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural sidekick for all your favorite summer mains. Pair it with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a simple cheese board for easy elegance. Its fresh flavors also complement BBQ skewers, roasted veggies, or a light pasta dish—just about anything benefits from this refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try spooning This Cucumber Strawberry Salad into individual jars for a picnic-ready treat? Or layer it in a clear trifle bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece at your next party. For a brunch, try serving it atop crisp crostini or inside lettuce cups—guests will swoon over these cheerful bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because cucumbers and strawberries both release water over time, it’s best enjoyed the same day, but you can keep it chilled for up to 24 hours. The flavors will still be delicious, but expect a bit of extra liquid in the bowl.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for This Cucumber Strawberry Salad. The textures of both cucumbers and strawberries really suffer in the freezer, turning mushy and losing their crisp, juicy bite. If you have extra ingredients, freeze the strawberries separately for smoothies, but make the salad fresh for best results.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If your salad has spent time in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill, then give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

Can I make This Cucumber Strawberry Salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients in advance and store them separately, but it’s best to toss everything together just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers crisp and the strawberries from becoming too soft.

How do I pick the best strawberries for this salad?

Choose strawberries that are deep red, shiny, and fragrant. They should be firm to the touch without soft spots, which means they’ll be at their sweetest and juiciest for this recipe.

Is there a substitute for fresh mint?

If you’re out of mint, try fresh basil or even a little cilantro for a unique twist. These herbs also add a fresh note, though the flavor will be slightly different from the original.

What can I serve with This Cucumber Strawberry Salad?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled poultry, fish, or a plant-based protein. It’s a lovely starter for brunch or a colorful addition to a summer picnic. Or serve it on its own for a light, hydrating snack!

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely! This Cucumber Strawberry Salad scales up easily for parties or potlucks. Just slice and mix as directed, and make extra dressing if you’re multiplying the ingredients—no adjustments necessary.

Final Thoughts

There’s something simply magical about the bright flavors and pretty presentation of This Cucumber Strawberry Salad. If you’re craving a salad that’s light, lively, and a total crowd-pleaser, give it a try. I hope it becomes a highlight on your table as it has on mine!

Print

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe

This refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of mint to brighten it up. It’s a simple and healthy dish that is ideal for a light lunch or as a side for grilled meats.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber:

  • 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds

Strawberries:

  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced

Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mint:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, sliced into ribbons

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumber: Rinse the cucumber under cold water.
  2. Slice the cucumber: Cut the cucumber into thin rounds.
  3. Prepare the strawberries: Wash, dry, hull, and slice the strawberries.
  4. Make the dressing: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  5. Toss cucumber and strawberries: Coat the slices with the dressing.
  6. Add mint: Slice the mint into ribbons and combine with the salad.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
  8. Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Notes

  • This salad is best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
  • You can customize the dressing by adding a touch of lemon juice or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 80 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cucumber Strawberry Salad, Summer Salad, Healthy Salad Recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating