This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe

Vibrant, crisp, and brimming with summer freshness, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad is the kind of dish you crave when the sun is shining but you want something impossibly light, juicy, and bursting with color on your plate. Sweet strawberries mingle with crunchy cucumbers, all tied together by a zippy balsamic-honey dressing and a pop of vivid green mint. Whether you’re planning a backyard picnic, a brunch, or simply want a delightful side that screams sunshine, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a gem of a recipe that you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients really are the secret to this Cucumber Strawberry Salad, with each one bringing its own personality to the bowl. The freshness of the fruit and veggies, that touch of tang from the balsamic, a hint of sweetness, and just-picked mint—every ingredient matters for taste, texture, and color.

• Cucumber: Adds an ultra-refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Strawberries: Choose ripe, vividly red strawberries for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
• Olive oil: A drizzle brings richness and helps the dressing coat every bite.
• Balsamic vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy note that lifts the flavors and ties the salad together.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness enhances the natural sugars in the strawberries and rounds out the acidity.
• Salt: Just enough to bring out and amplify all those fresh flavors.
• Black pepper: A hint of spice for subtle warmth and depth.
• Fresh mint: The essential finishing touch for lift and a burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make This Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber

Start by giving your cucumber a good wash under cold, running water. You want that skin clean and snackable. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin rounds—shoot for about 1/8-inch thick so they’re delicate but still hold their crunch. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Next, gently rinse the strawberries to wash off any hidden dirt and dry them off with a paper towel. Hull each berry by slicing off the green tops, then cut them into thin slices, aiming for about 1/4-inch thick. Add your strawberry slices to the bowl with the cucumber.

Step 3: Make and Season the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Give it all a good whisk until the honey dissolves and the mixture looks luscious and glossy. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then whisk again to evenly distribute the seasoning, making sure every drop will sing with flavor.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over your cucumber and strawberry slices in the mixing bowl. Toss everything oh-so-gently to make sure each slice gets a generous coating—this is when the salad really starts to shine and everything glistens.

Step 5: Add the Mint

Now for the fresh mint: give the leaves a quick rinse, pat them dry, and stack them up for slicing. Cut them into thin ribbons (the fancy word for this is chiffonade) to create beautiful, delicate strips. Scatter these fragrant mint ribbons over the salad, then toss lightly once more to let that mint distribute throughout.

Step 6: Taste and Rest

Taste your salad and adjust if needed; maybe a bit more honey for sweetness or a pinch more salt. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to soak into one another—the anticipation will be totally worth it. Serve chilled or at room temperature, but sooner rather than later for the freshest, crunchiest results!

How to Serve This Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Garnishes

A few extra mint leaves sprinkled on top just before serving gives this Cucumber Strawberry Salad a picture-perfect finish. You can also add a light shaving of lemon zest or a handful of toasted slivered almonds for a fun twist on texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this Cucumber Strawberry Salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or simple roasted veggies for a balanced and breezy meal. It also loves company at a brunch table, especially alongside quiche, croissants, or a bright citrusy drink.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Cucumber Strawberry Salad in individual cups for a picnic or create a gorgeous layered effect in a clear trifle bowl. For a fun appetizer, pile it onto crostini or spoon it onto leafy greens for a fancier, composed salad look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. Try to enjoy them within a day—the strawberries and cucumbers release moisture as they sit, so the texture is at its best soon after assembling.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Cucumber Strawberry Salad, as the fresh ingredients would lose their texture, turn watery, and the salad would sadly go from crisp to mushy.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This salad is all about fresh, chilled enjoyment. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the delicious dressing and mint.

FAQs

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prep the components a few hours ahead—slice your cucumbers and strawberries, and make the dressing. Store them separately and combine everything (plus the mint) just before serving for the freshest experience.

What kind of cucumber works best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal since their skins are thin and practically seedless, but regular garden cucumbers work too—just peel and de-seed them if they’re waxy or seedy.

Can I swap out the strawberries for another fruit?

Absolutely! Try blueberries, blackberries, or even juicy peach slices if strawberries aren’t in season. The dressing and mint play nicely with many kinds of fruit.

Is there a vegan option for the dressing?

Definitely! Simply swap the honey for plant-based agave syrup or maple syrup to make this Cucumber Strawberry Salad totally vegan and just as delicious.

How can I make the salad heartier for a main dish?

Add creamy feta, sliced avocado, or a handful of toasted nuts for extra protein and good fats—these additions help make this Cucumber Strawberry Salad into a stand-alone lunch.

Final Thoughts

With its surprise appeal and celebration of summer flavors, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad is pure edible joy. I can’t wait for you to toss it together and make it your own—once you try it, you’ll want to bring this refreshing beauty to every gathering. Enjoy every crisp, juicy bite!

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